A mouthwatering line-up has been confirmed for the forthcoming Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival (Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th September 2009).
Over forty stallholders have confirmed their participation in the inaugural Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival later this month.
Sample seafood, meat and game, flour, herbs,vegetables, fruit, eggs, butter, ice cream, cakes, breads, jams, chutneys, jellies, salts and more – all originating from local producers.
The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival will be the first event of its kind on the Island that celebrates Manx produce, with all participants meeting strict eligibility criteria.
Several newproducts will also be available to taste and to buy, including Ellerslie Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil, Celtic Mist Cream Liqueur, Anagh Coar Butcher’s Chrym Vannin Yskid (dried Manx ham)and Green Mann Spring Water.
The Hairy Bikers will be spending the weekend at the heart of the Festival in the grounds of the Villa Marina and will be bringing some delicious recipes to life in the Manx Food Live Theatre from 12 noon to 1.00pm on both days.
The popular TV chefs will also be judging the final of the Great Manx Bake Off from 3.00pm on Saturday and the I Love ManxChef competition on Sunday at 2.30pm.
A wide variety of local businesses and individuals will be demonstrating their products and skills in the Manx Food Live Theatre, including Jen Monro from the new cafe at Milntown, a delicious seafood dish from Tanroagan’s Joan Mowat, a Greeba Mushrooms ‘Massive Mushroom’ recipe as well as beer and ale tastings.
The Festival is a joint initiative between the Department of Tourism and Leisure and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Geoff Corkish MHK, political member for Tourism and Leisure, said, "One of the Isle of Man’s greatest assets is the quality of the food and drink that’s produced here.
"There’ll be plenty of opportunities to sample and purchase a huge variety of produce as well as enjoy some of the other events taking place.
"Families are most welcome and we’d like to encourage parents to bring their children along to try their hand at fun recipes in the Kids Kitchen Academy or cake decorating workshop."
The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival takes place from 11.00am to 5.00pm on both days. Admission is free.
Many of the festivities will take place under cover so the event will go ahead whatever the weather.
Fringe events will also take place at a number of Island locations.
Programmes will be available from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre from Monday 14th September or take a look at http://www.visitisleofman.com/ for selected highlights.
