Children can try their hand at fun, food-related activities at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival.
A children’s marquee will be among the main attractions at the event at the Villa Marina Gardens on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September.
The marquee will be sponsored by Robinson’s and run by Charlotte Mackie with the help of staff from The Children’s Centre.
Charlotte – who has experience running a pre-school cookery club – said:
‘The marquee will allow families to roll up their sleeves and have fun with Isle of Man produce.
‘Young visitors can have a go at making butter and flour, create a masterpiece with bread, plant and taste cress and create their own super-potato.
‘The Children’s Centre’s Community Farm will join in the fun, setting up a wormery, a herb garden and other interactive activities for everyone to enjoy.’
Charlotte added:
‘I can’t wait to create positive experiences with local produce that can be enjoyed by the whole family at no extra charge.’
Dave Clarke, of Robinson’s, said:
‘We are proud to be sponsoring the children’s marquee again this year.
‘We have been trading on the Isle of Man for more than 130 years and feel it is important we play a part in the community and support and educate children about healthy eating and where their food comes from.
‘We have some fantastic local producers and growers here on the Island and it will be great to see some of the customer of the future in the marquee.’
Farm at the Festival is another attraction for young visitors. Children can watch cows being milked and stroke calves and goats.
Tickets for the festival cost just £4 (day) and £5 (weekend) for adults, with admission free for under 16s.
Tickets can be booked via www.villagaiety.com or purchased on the gate.
For more information about the festival, visit www.gov.im/food, follow the festival on Facebook via Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2017, on Twitter @iomfoodanddrink and on Instagram at isleofmanfoodanddrink.
On Saturday 16 September, a free Mann Sightseeing shuttle bus runs from The Bowl car park, Pulrose, to the festival, departing on the hour from 10am to 4pm and returning on the half hour. Many buses from the south of the Island also pass the Villa Marina Gardens.
The festival is sponsored by PokerStars, Robinson’s, Magnet, Thai Thai, Isle of Man Teas and The Abbey and The Forge restaurants and held In Association with Manx Radio.
