The Isle of Man Government’s Food and Drink Festival returns to the Villa Marina Gardens this weekend with a fun-filled programme.
Highlighting the Island’s Biosphere for future generations, the Festival will raise awareness about the Island’s local produce which reduces food miles, packaging and waste, which in turn helps to lower the public’s carbon footprint.
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man will be on hand with interactive activities to engage the younger generation, through raising awareness and focusing minds towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and highlighting the global aspect of Biosphere.
The stand will offer information about, and the chance to get involved in, schemes Biosphere is running locally, including Refill Isle of Man, which is reducing single-use plastic use and pollution.
The Green Centre and the Western Civic Amenity Site will provide myth busting facts and information about how to make a difference by recycling and reducing waste.
Beach Buddies will be raising awareness about the impact of single-use plastics on the environment and assisting at the recycling stations across the gardens.
Only reusable cups will be on offer from the Festival Bar, visitors can buy eco-friendly bags from the Manx Produce Marquee for just £3 and bring their own bottles to make use of the new Refill stations.
Free car parking and shuttle bus will be available on Saturday to and from the Bowl Car Park, Douglas to the Festival.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
'The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is our flagship food and drink event and brings together producers to showcase their products to thousands of visitors.
Its popularity reflects the growth in Isle of Man food and drink, being driven by our Food Matters strategy, and the growing desire among people to support the innovation of local food and drink producers.
As well as providing an enjoyable weekend for all the family, it provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of conserving our unique biosphere by reducing waste, food miles and carbon footprint, which cannot be underestimated.'
