One of the most hotly-contested cookery competitions on the island, with the 2019 World Bonnag Championships takes place tonight (Saturday).

Chefs and bakers, both amateur and professional, across the Isle of Man are preparing to take part in the competition to see who can create the most authentic bonnag, once a staple of the Manx diet.

The championships are being held at St James Church, Dalby, from 7.30pm, and the organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the culinary challenge.

Organiser Margy Killey says that the aim of the competition is to make sure the traditional Manx bonnag is kept alive.

’We have to make sure that the bonnag is kept going, and made in the proper way’ said Margy.

’All too often, people on the island serve up fruit cake, which they call bonnag, and it just isn’t right.

’The main difference between bonnag and cake is that there isn’t any egg involved in the making of a traditional bonnag.

’A good bonnag is made from the bits that would be usually found in a farmer’s kitchen.

’It would be made with a bit of flour, a bit of fat, either butter or any other shortening you care to use, a bit of sugar and a drop of buttermilk.

’For those that are feeling affluent, you can add any sultanas you may have handy.

’But that’s it. No eggs, and nothing else added. You can’t have any modern twists, such as cinnamon bonnag, as that just wouldn’t be right either.’

There are five classes, including mens, ladies, children’s, and gluten-free, each coming with the grand prize of £20 worth of grocery vouchers, courtesy of Shoprite.

The commercial class winners will receive a certificate of Manx bonnag authenticity.

There will also be the presentation of the Buttermilk cup for best in show.

The championships, which in the past has seen a bonnag made in America and sent by post, are open for anyone to enter, and to take part, entries can be simply be dropped off at the church from 5pm onwards on Saturday.

Top chef Tony Quirk will once again cast his expert eye over this year’s entries.

Laxey Glen Mills have donated bags of the soda flour needed for a correct bonnag, which are available to be collected from St James Church during the day time.