The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, organised by the Department of Tourism and Leisure and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, promises to be a community event bringing together people and organisations from all over the Island.

The main festival will be at the Villa Marina on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September but there'll be many more associated events taking place Island-wide in the days leading up to and following the Festival.

For Island residents and visitors keen to learn more about where their food comes from, the Manx National Farmers Union will be

arranging farm tours and open days from the 19th September.

Bookings can be made by phoning 662204 or take a look at www.ilovemanx.org. Moore’s Kipper Yard in Peel are also hosting free tours around the last remaining Manx kipper yard.

Martyn Quayle MHK Minister for Tourism and Leisure said, "The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is truly an event for the whole community and I’m extremely pleased about the prospect of so many organisations coming together to celebrate Manx produce.

"I very much hope that all Manx residents and visitors will get involved and sample some of the unbeatable local produce we are so lucky to have available to us here in the Isle of Man."

The Grove Conservatory Cafe and Restaurant in Ramsey, the Neb Cafe at Tynwald Mills and the Harbour Lights Restaurants in Peel, Ramsey and Port St Mary are offering mouth-watering Manx-themed menus. 

Also over the festival weekend, Davisons will be running ice cream and sundae-making demonstrations, free giveaways and ‘have a go’ competitions.

Bar George will be holding a Manx ‘Possan’ Party on Thursday 24th September where guests can listen to music from a live band and enjoy ‘Kipper and Bushy’s’ pate followed by shoulder of Manx lamb.

For a full list of events, dates and details go to the Welcome Centre in Douglas Sea Terminal and pick up a programme or go to

www.visitisleofman.com for selected highlights.