Students from Castle Rushen High School have showcased their creativity and community spirit by taking part in an exciting graphic design competition to create the official neck buff for the 2026 Harbour 2 Harbour Charity Walk.
The popular annual event, supported this year FIM Capital, challenged students to design a neck buff that captures the vision of the Harbour 2 Harbour walk. The winning designs will be worn by more than 400 competitors, with each participant receiving the neck buff as a complimentary gift upon entry.
Students were encouraged to incorporate elements inspired by the walk itself — from coastal views and harbours to the strong sense of community that defines the much-loved event. The competition offered young designers a unique opportunity to see their work brought to life and worn by hundreds across the Island.
Among the talented entrants, the overall winners were Olive (Year 8), Matilda (Year 7), Ava (Year 7).
Highly commended awards were presented to: Olivia (Year 8), Richard (Year 7), Zehra (Year 7).
The students were supported throughout the project by Graphic Design teacher Miss Dickinson, who expressed immense pride in the creativity and professionalism shown by all those who took part. Staff at Castle Rushen High School are equally delighted that student designs will feature prominently during the event for the next three years.
Winners received a £25 Amazon voucher kindly sponsored by FIM Capital, a free entry into the walk along with an accompanying adult entry and neck buff, and a £10 JD Sports voucher awarded by the school.
The prize presentation was attended by Mrs Faragher and Mr Parkes from the Harbour 2 Harbour Committee, a representative from FIM Capital, Mrs Williams (Assistant Headteacher), Mrs Berrie (Head of Year 7), and Miss Dickinson (Graphic Design Teacher), who all congratulated the students on their outstanding work.
Winning design for 2026 event walk by Olive, year 8.
Registration for the 2026 Harbour 2 Harbour Charity Walk opens on Monday 2nd March 2026. A link to enter can be found on the Harbour 2 Harbour Facebook page. Entry costs approximately £15, and organisers hope that involving young designers in this year’s competition will inspire even more people to sign up. Competitors under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
With creativity, community collaboration and charitable spirit at its heart, the initiative has proven to be a resounding success and participants in 2026 will quite literally be wearing the talent of the Island’s young designers with pride.
