Past Isle of Man Food & Drink Festivals 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012
The first ever Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival was held in 2009 at the Villa Marina in Douglas. It was run jointly by the then Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Tourism & Leisure. The Hairy Bikers (Si King and Dave Myers) gave cookery demonstrations over the weekend and delighted everyone with their cheeky chatter and enthusiasm for Manx produce. A great Manx Bake-Off was held to raise funds for the Eve Appeal and some very creative cakes were produced. The finals of the first I Love Manx chef competition were held, following regional heats at the Southern and Royal Manx Agricultural Shows. The Kitchen Academy ran workshops for children and producers and local chefs gave demonstrations in the Manx Food Theatre. A supporting programme of farm visits and events at restaurants and producers plus the opportunity to taste and buy a variety of local Manx produce at the Festival really raised the profile of local food and drink.
Over the years, it has grown with more producers, caterers and activites included in the weekend's programme. The Vision for the Festival is to be the Island's premier celebration of local food and drink - the videos have captured the essence of each Festival so far so enjoy watching them and make a note to experience one for yourself!
For 2012 the Festival moved to Knockaloe, Patrick which proved to be a great success. The celebrity chef was Ainsley Harriott. Ainsley is well known for his appearances in Ready, Steady Cook and really wowed visitors with his ebullient personality and fabuloas recipes!
In 2011, the Festival moved to the Nunnery Gardens of the Isle of Man International Business School and was held on the 26th and 27th September. The new and larger venue was a great hit with visitors and exhibitors alike. Guest chefs were MasterChef semi finalist Stacie Stewart on the Saturday and James Martin on the Sunday. The Festival included a new activity marquee for young visitors, a bar serving a variety of Manx ales plus a new Manx Cider and not one, but two marquees of local produce. Visits to a local farm proved very popular.
Isle of Man - Food & Drink Festival 2010. Held again at the Villa Marina on 25th and 26th September, guest chef Gino D'Acampo added some Italian passion to cooking with local Manx produce! Family Manx magazine and John Dixon of Harbour Lights Ramsey provided activities for children and Greeba Mushrooms provided a fascinating Manx Mushroom Experience.
In 2009, the Festival was held in the Villa Marina Gardens and Guest chefs were the Hairy Bikers who have been to the Isle of Man several times. The Hairy Bikers (Si King and Dave Myers) gave cookery demonstrations over the weekend and delighted everyone with their cheeky chatter and enthusiasm for Manx produce. A great Manx Bake-Off was held to raise funds for the Eve Appeal and some very creative cakes were produced. The finals of the first I Love Manx chef competition were held, following regional heats at the Southern and Royal Manx Agricultural Shows.
