The Big Manx Feast: Back on the Menu for 2026

After a year off the menu, the island’s flagship food festival is making a comeback, with a brand-new name and a bit more swagger.

Say hello to The Big Manx Feast, landing at Noble’s Park on September 19 and 20, 2026.

It’ll be the first Gov food-and-drink bash since 2023, after the old festival was canned in 2024, a move that left many producers fuming, after they’d already stocked up and many relied on it.

Back then, DEFA said attendance was dipping and that smaller themed events were the way forward… but even they, after everyone else did, later admitted it didn’t quite go to plan.

Now the reins have been handed to the Department for Enterprise, and Business Isle of Man says the revamped festival will be all about the Mheillea – harvest vibes, Manxness, community spirit and, of course, eating absolutely everything in sight.

Expect a Manx Produce Marquee, a Food and Drink Hall packed with local and global flavours (plus live music), a kids’ zone, chef demos, talks, and a national Manx Menu awards bash.

Organisers say charities, small businesses and community groups will all be part of the feast.

Rob Mercer MLC called the relaunch a natural continuation of a much-loved tradition.

‘The Food and Drink Festival had been a highlight of the island’s calendar since 2008, and I am delighted… to take it forward as The Big Manx Feast,’ he said.

He added the new event aims to boost local producers and the island’s international profile.

Ollie Neale of Okell’s Brewery said the festival had always been a great platform for businesses old and new.

‘The festival has always been a brilliant launchpad for new businesses while giving an opportunity for established businesses to meet their customers,’ he said.

‘The Big Manx Feast will also offer a chance to celebrate Manx provenance, inspire the next generation of producers, and attract tourists to our island.’

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston MHK said it was a chance to celebrate Manx food at its best.

‘The Big Manx Feast is a chance to take that story beyond the farm gate,’ he said.

Anyone hungry to take part can sign up to the festival mailing list or contact Business Isle of Man to get involved.