Christmas is drawing ever closer!

And with only two weeks to go until the big day it may seem like the heat is on. But never fear, Year of Our Island is here to give you some much needed inspiration on last minute ingredients, treats and gifts.

For a small island we have an enormous range of quality Manx producers, from award winning beef and prize winning poultry to organic vegetables and delectable deserts. Your traditional Christmas dinner can be made extra special by using locally sourced ingredients or, if you’re after more, entire dishes.

Throughout December, Our Island has been celebrating our artisans and producers, and this week we wanted to take a look at some essential resources which can help to make your Christmas truly Manx.

Isle of Man Food and Drink have put together a fantastic resource to help you find whatever you’re looking for.

Their online Food and Drink directory has loads of information on which Manx producers to look out for and where you can find their delicious products.

From the 73 Great Taste Award winners from 2018 to farmers markets and food experiences, the list is seemingly endless.

All of details can be found online at www.iomfoodanddrink.com

And if you’re out shopping this Christmas be sure to look out for the Manx Provenance Labels. They indicate whether produce has been grown, reared, caught or processed in the Isle of Man and are part of the island’s Food Matters strategy to not only showcase producers who are going the extra mile to make it Manx but also gives customers assurance with product traceability.

Of course, why not take a trip to one of our fantastic producer markets. They are a great place to pick up quality Manx gifts and treats and last minute stocking fillers. This weekend Close Leece farm in St John’s will be hosting a very special Christmas event featuring products from the Dairy Shed, Ballakelly Farm, Isle of Man Goats, Balla Brooie Orchid Apples and a whole lot more.

The market will be open on Saturday, December 15, from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 16 from 11 am - 4 pm.

To find out more about what Year of Our Island has planned for the rest of 2018 go online to ourisland.im, email [email protected] or call 687007.

by the Year of Our Island Project Team

www.ourisland.im