Toast to grass-roots market anniversary

Thriving artisan sector on Island

A celebration of Manx farming, food and drink is being held in Douglas today, to mark the 10th anniversary of farmer's markets in the Island (1 July).

The event, under the Villa Marina colonnades between 10am and 3pm, will see a wide range of locally grown, reared, brewed and crafted products on sale directly to the public. 

A small-scale project started by a handful of farmers a decade ago, has spawned a new generation of food and drink entrepreneurs, fuelling a thriving economic sector.

Organisers of today's market have laid-on live music and family attractions, in the hope more people will become regular shoppers at markets held around the Island.

Organiser Sheila Gawne says it's a growing movement.