The trophies have been polished, the animals groomed, the crafts created and the cakes baked - it must be time for the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

All roads will head west on Friday, August 13, and Saturday, August 14, as the show takes place at Knockaloe, just outside Peel.

John Quayle from Glen Lough has the honour and privilege of being President for the 2021 show.

John was elected President at the annual general meeting in December 2019 and the Royal Manx Agricultural Society Council were unanimous at last year’s annual general meeting that his presidency should continue as the show was unable to run in 2020.

Following the enforced cancellation of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show in 2020 due to coronavirus, plans for this year’s show are in full swing as show secretary, Carol Kennaugh, explains.

’The Society continues to monitor the current coronavirus situation and all efforts will be made to safeguard those attending. One way systems in marquees, separate entrances and exits and hand sanitisers will be in place, together with the implementation of any further guidelines issued between now and the show.

’When the Society agreed in October to plan for the 2021 show, it was on the proviso that only locally based entertainment and judges be invited.

’There are a host of highly skilled local judges who will be able to use their expertise as they judge the finest animals the island has to offer over the two days.’

One of the highlights in the rural calendar, the ’Royal Manx’ is a fantastic day out for all the family, as well as the culmination of months of hard work from show participants as they compete to win a coveted ’best in class’ award.

With a full two days of entertainment, a wide selection of food and drink providers, and a huge range of craft and trade exhibitors, it’s a celebration of Manx life and tradition that will keep you occupied for hours, no matter what the weather.

This year’s schedule includes the Steve Colley Stunt Show.

The skills of motorcycle trials riders like Steve Colley have to be seen to be believed. He can do things with motorcycles that we mere mortals would consider impossible.

The show consists of a full range of freestyle tricks, spectacular stunts, 7ft vertical step, mono bike (the only trials rider in the world to master this stunt).This arena display is a huge crowd puller promising to keep spectators completely mesmerised with his spectacular stunts.

Other entertainment includes sheep shearing, a sheep dog trial demonstration, dressage to music, classic car and vintage tractor parades, and our very own version of It’s a Knockout.

More traditional skills will be displayed by the Manx Beekeepers and Manx Craft Guild who will also be in attendance.

This year the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will be showcasing local food producers and selling a range of Manx produce.

And there is no shortage of food outlets for a bite to eat during the day: besides the show’s own Country Kitchen and Burger Queen catering stands, there are other food concessions ranging from ice-cream, burgers and pizza to artisan sandwiches, as well as the popular beer tent.

Carol says: ’This year, the demand for trade exhibits at the show has been encouraging and exhibitors include agricultural merchants, car dealers, charities, health and beauty suppliers, conservatories, local banks and many more.’

Of course the Royal Manx is at heart an agricultural show and the judging of animals and arts and crafts is the backbone of the event for the farming community. Judging takes place over the two days with farm and garden, arts and crafts, light animals and dogs mostly on Friday and all livestock, dairy and driving classes on Saturday.

The Deemster Johnson’s Supreme Championship Award, the ultimate prize for exhibitors, will be awarded to the best animal at the show and is kindly sponsored by Conister Bank.

This award is judged by a person nominated by the Royal Manx Agricultural Society’s President John Quayle.

The identity of this judge is a closely guarded secret which is not revealed until he or she steps into the ring for the Grand Parade on Saturday at 4pm. The Cup itself will be presented by His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, who will be accompanied at the show by Lady Gozney.

Carol says: ’There really is something for everyone at this year’s show- it is very much a family day out and we try to appeal to everyone, from all walks of life.

’While we will always remain an agricultural show, dedicated to maintaining traditions that have been upheld for years, it’s important that we move with the times.

’We’ve had great demand from exhibitors and are delighted to see so much interest from the community in what is one of the island’s longest running events.

’We are extremely grateful to each and every one of our sponsors, particularly Manx Telecom and Conister Bank, for all their support.’

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show is open from 9am to 5pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults on Friday and £9 on Saturday.

Tickets for children aged 4 - 14 are £1 on either day with under 4s going free. Dogs are permitted on a short lead.

Pre show tickets are available online and can be purchased via the website www.royalmanx.com.

In addition tickets can be purchased from retail outlets across the Island, Celtic Gold, Peel, Shakti Man, Ramsey, Thompson Travel, Port Erin and Whim Boutique in Laxey.

Free parking is available and a one-way system will be in operation with free trailer rides to and from the car park.

For further information ahead of the event visit the website www.royalmanx.com or call 801850.