Cancelling Food and Drink Festival is "stamping on" local producers

DEFA focusing instead on agricultural shows

"Freedom to Flourish isn't happening, we're not getting that chance."

That's how one local producer has reacted to the news that this year's Food and Drink Festival has been cancelled.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it's focus will now be on the Royal and Southern Agricultural Shows and 'new initiatives'.

Nina Cooper runs Chocolate of Mann:

DEFA Minister Clare Barber told Manx Radio the event "plays a significant role in growing the food and drink sector", but investing all her budget in one event could cause issues.

You can read more on that HERE.