Farmers and food producers are getting ready for three big events over the summer.

Exhibitors will be able to exhibit their wares to the thousands of people expected to visit the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival and the government’s Manx produce marquee at the Southern and Royal Manx agricultural shows.

The dates and venues are:

The Southern Agricultural Show - July 31 and August 1 at Orrisdale Farm, Ballasalla

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show - August 13 and 14, at Knockaloe, south of Peel

Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival - September 18 and 19 at the Villa Marina Gardens in Douglas.

Local producers can apply for one or more by downloading application forms from www.gov.im/manxfood (shows) and www.gov.im/food (festival), calling 687520 or by emailing [email protected].

The deadline for applications is May 6.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’The events are a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profiles, reach new audiences, and showcase the island’s fantastic local food and drink.

Last year alone the Food and Drink Festival attracted 16,000 people and generated an estimated £432,000 for our economy.’

The Southern Show is moving from a venue in which it has been held for decades.

The full story is in this week’s Isle of Man Examiner.