The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival will return to the Villa Marina Gardens in Douglas this weekend with a fun-filled programme and a focus on sustainability.
The two-day event, sponsored by PokerStars, will give people the chance to meet more than 60 local produces and sample their creations.
Due to the global pandemic the festival is one of the first to go ahead in the British Isles this year, and to encourage people to attend the ticket price has been reduced by half. It means adults will pay £2.50 per day, and children under 16 get in free.
The action-packed programme is available online and includes the Manx Produce Marquee, Drinks Pavilion, Manx Cookery Theatre, Catering Village, Children's Activity Marquee, market stalls and live music on both days.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘The festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the Island’s industrious producers and superb food and drink. Now in its 12th year, it will again shine a light on all the passionate people, businesses and organisations that make our food culture so uniquely bold and creative.
‘The recent pandemic has seen a renewed appreciation for buying and supporting local, and by doing so we can reduce food miles whilst giving a much needed boost to our economy.’
This year the festival will highlight the benefits of sustainability with a range of talks and displays by experts, covering topics including energy, waste and active travel.
Visitors will be asked to dispose of their waste responsibly at recycling stations and exhibitors have been banned from using single-use plastics, including plates, carrier bags, straws and cutlery. Polystyrene food containers and cups are also off limits.
Meanwhile, the Festival Bar run by VillaGaiety, will provide customers with reusable cups and visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags and water bottles. A number of free water stations, sponsored by Santander International, will be available on the site.
This year’s festival is also kindly sponsored by PokerStars, Isle of Man Meats, Trade Distribution Logistics, Dave’s Delicious Dogs American Style, Magnet, and in association with Manx Radio, who will broadcast live from the event.
