The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival returns this weekend to celebrate the very best of Manx produce in the Villa Marina Gardens.

Described as ’a weekend where we shine a light on all the passionate people, businesses and organisations that make the island’s food culture so uniquely bold and creative,’ it’s a calender staple not to be missed.

It’s taking place on Saturday, September 18, and Sunday, September 19, and will be open from 10am until 5pm on both days.

More than 70 local producers will be present over the course of the weekend.

The island currently has around 350 farms, 1,500 registered food businesses and seven breweries as well as several bakeries and a flour mill. The action-packed programme will include cooking demonstrations, busker style music, live animals, crafts and children’s entertainment, as well as a food court featuring cuisine from around the world.

There will also be two eating competitions: RedMie’s Red Hot Chilli Competition at 4pm on Saturday, and CompEAT for charity with Davison’s Ice Cream at 4pm on Sunday.

This year’s event will also feature a new drinks pavilion hosting local distillers and brewers Bottle Monkey, Kaneen’s Brewery, Kella Distillers Ltd, Seven Kingdom Distillery and The Fynoderee Distillery.

Eco-conscious visitors will also be pleased to hear there will be several water re-fill stations on site, to reduce the use of single-use plastics on site.

Also on offer will be the Manx produce marquee, catering village, children’s discovery zone and crafts under the colonnade.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), who run the annual event, said: ’Food and drink is an integral part of the island’s social fabric and its production activities shape our landscape, culture and communities.

’Buying local benefits the local economy and environment, as it supports jobs and can reduce food miles, packaging and waste.’

In line with current Government advice, visitors are strongly advised to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces.

Entry is £5 per adult, £8 for a weekend pass and it is free for under 16s.

Tickets can be bought via the Villa Gaiety website or by cash or card on the day.