In a year when so many people discovered Manx food products it’s especially appropriate that the festive food market will feature an all-local exhibitor line-up.

Artisan Island at Christmas, a joint venture between DEFA and Douglas Town Centre management, will be held in Villiers Square (behind the Alpine Café) on Saturday, December

12 and Sunday, December 13. Entry is free.

A DEFA spokesperson explained: ’Artisan Island was a concept originally brought to the Grandstand to showcase local produce during TT.

’We are hoping that it will become a ’pop-up’ concept in other seasons and locations in the future.’

Exhibitors will include: Abfab Cakes, B & M Catering, Ballakelly Farm, Berries, BreizhVannin

Creperie, Cake and Bake, Choccy Piccy, Close Leece Farm, Conrod’s Pizzeria, Fire & Ice, Isle of Man Meats, Isle of Man Seafoods, MexiMann, Morgan’s Pies, Noa Bakehouse, Ross

Bakery, Sugar & Spice Bakery, The Bohemian Coffee House and The Eatery.

Marquees will showcase Manx food and drink products and crafts with local musicians performing.

To complete the festive atmosphere, in Regent Street, the Alpine café will be offering mulled wine and 1886 will be serving a Manx-inspired food and drinks menu with offers throughout the weekend.

Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’It has been an exceptionally difficult year for everyone, so this fantastic community event is something to really look forward to and builds on from the success of a record-breaking Isle of Man Food &Drink Festival.

’It provides a chance to treat your loved ones, whilst supporting our hard working food and drink producers. I encourage all island residents to continue buying local - pandemic or otherwise.’