Festival Showcasing Manx Talent Launches in Ramsey Next Month

A new festival celebrating Manx food, arts and craft is set to launch next month at the Mountain View Innovation Centre (MVIC) on Jurby Road, Ramsey.

The Love Manx Festival, organised by Babbages Bistro and hosted at MVIC, will bring together producers, artists and makers from across the island under one roof.

The seasonal indoor event is planned to run four times a year, spring, summer, autumn and winter, with each edition built around a fresh theme and a changing mix of vendors. Entry will be free.

Babbages chef Bart said the idea grew from a desire to champion the island’s creativity and provenance.

‘Since moving to the Isle of Man, I’ve been deeply inspired by this island – its rich culture, warm and welcoming people, and the incredible local products that truly set it apart,’ he said.

‘As a chef at Babbages Bistro, I make it a priority to use as many Manx ingredients as possible, not just because they’re excellent in quality, but because I believe in supporting our local farmers, producers and creators.’

He added: ‘Food is only one part of the story. The Isle of Man is home to talented artists, bakers, distillers, designers, jewellers, craftspeople and makers of all kinds.

‘I’ve always dreamed of bringing them all together under one roof, to create something truly special for the community. That dream is now becoming a reality.’

The festival will feature up to 72 exhibition stands laid out as a curated market with wide aisles, a central café area and on-site support for logistics, cleanliness and set-up.

The inaugural festival will take place on Saturday, September 20.

Organisers say the event will be welcoming and inclusive, open to businesses of all sizes and to newcomers keen to showcase their work.

Local producers, artists and makers interested in exhibiting can email bistro@babbages.im for details.

‘Let’s come together, support one another, and show just how much the Isle of Man has to offer,’ Bart said. ‘We can’t wait to welcome you.’