Past Food and Drink Festivals
Over the years, the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 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 - we hope that the videos have captured the essence of each Festival so far for you to enjoy.
Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2016
In 2016 a record 10,000 people attended the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival – beating the previous record by nearly 3,000. The event, held in the Villa Marina Gardens on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September was a showcase of the finest Manx produce. In the previous year just over 7,000 people flocked to the festival – equalling the number of visitors in the event's first year, when TV stars The Hairy Bikers proved a big draw. This year's event had even more stands to enjoy, including 12 first-time exhibitors, plenty of opportunities to sample local food and drink, lots for all the family to do plus an extended entertainment programme.
Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2013
In 2013 the Festival returned to the Villa Marina Gardens in Douglas. Once again this proved to be a very successful site for this event with the appearance of the Fabulous Baker Brothers. Over 40 exhibitors attended and new exhibitors this year included Noa Bakehouse, Isle of Man Goats and Mannbiltong.
Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2012
In 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 is currently to be seen on BBC1's Great British Food Revival.
Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2011
In 2011, the Festival moved to the Nunnery Gardens of the Isle of Man International Business School and was held on the 26 and 27 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 2 marquees of local produce. Visits to a local farm proved very popular.
Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2010
Held again at the Villa Marina on 25 and 26 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.
Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2009
The first Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival was held in 2009 at the Villa Marina in Douglas and was run jointly by the then Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Tourism and 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.
