Who Will Lift the Buttermilk Cup This Year?

The World Bonnag Championships are back next week!!

The much-loved event returns to Dalby Schoolrooms on Friday, March 6, kicking off at 7.30pm with entertainment from ‘Dot Tilbury and Friends’, followed by a proper Manx supper (elasticated waistbands optional).

For anyone new to the scene, a bonnag is a traditional Manx, non-yeasted, soda-raised bread, and judging by previous years, things can get competitive. Very competitive.

There are classes for gents, ladies, children under 14s, gluten free bakers and a commercial category for catering businesses chasing that ‘world-class’ status.

The overall champion will lift the coveted Isle of Man Creamery Buttermilk Cup, while category winners will receive trophies and Steam Packet vouchers.

During the evening, the Friends of Dalby Church will also present their annual charity awards to the Isle of Man Motor Neurone Disease Association and Hands of Hope, which supports work in Romania and Ukrainian refugees.

Organisers say proceeds will go towards the Church Restoration Fund, helping tackle ongoing lime mortar, guttering and damp issues, as well as this year’s chosen charities, Autism in Mann and the Coral & Pearl Hostels Trust, which supports vulnerable girls in Tanzania.

There will also be the all-important bonnag auction and a raffle, so even if your baking efforts don’t quite earn a trophy, you could still go home a winner.

Tickets cost £12.50, which includes the concert and supper, with vegetarian and coeliac options available on request.

Advance booking is required by calling Gilly on 844031 between 10am and 6pm.

Competitors should bring their bonnags along on the evening.

For those unable to attend the concert, entries can be delivered between 4pm and 7pm on March 6, presented on a paper plate with the entrant’s name on the base.

Queries about entries can be made by calling Margy on 843768.

May the best bake win.