Local food and drink businesses are being invited to take part in The Big Manx Feast 2026, a two-day festival celebrating the Island's food and drink scene, taking place at Noble's Park on 19 and 20 September 2026
This is a great chance for Manx businesses to showcase what they do best to an audience of up to 10,000 people, reach new customers, and be part of the Island's key food and drink events.
There's a variety of pitches on offer to suit different types of producers, hospitality and artisan makers/retailers.
Manx producers offering products which are grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked on the Island are encouraged to apply.
Expressions of Interest are also invited from local caterers which provide offerings such as street food, international dishes, specialist cuisine, ice-cream and desserts, or barista coffee. The Big Manx Feast puts Manx produce centre-stage, meaning all catering submissions must prioritise the use of local ingredients where options are available.
A limited number of pitches will also be available for local artisan makers and specialist retailers. Preference will be given to sellers of food-related articles such as cookery books, tableware, and kitchen textiles.
Pitch options include:
- Food trucks,
- Single, double or triple market-style marquees,
- Table-top stands.
The event team will also provide key essentials:
- Power,
- Water access,
- Waste facilities,
- Seating areas.
Business Isle of Man is looking for caterers and producers who can help make the event exciting and diverse.
Strong applications will:
- Showcase locally sourced Manx ingredients,
- Bring something new or exclusive to the festival (like a special dish or collaboration with other local food and drink businesses),
- Show experience of working at events and maintaining high food safety standards,
- Cater to a broad audience and offer quick and efficient service to customers to avoid long wait times,
- Support the event's sustainability aims, including avoiding single-use plastics.
Applications are open to Isle of Man–registered businesses only.
To apply, you'll need to have your key paperwork ready, including:
- Public and product liability insurance (£5M minimum each),
- Food allergen training certification dated within the last 3 years, DEFA producer registration number,
- Sample menu/offering.
Business Isle of Man also requires applicants to include product, team, and stand/food truck images for both application evaluation and marketing purposes.
Key Dates:
- Applications open: 15 May 2026,
- Application deadline: 21:00, Monday 15 June 2026,
- Outcome announced: 30 June 2026,
- Acceptance deadline: 21:00, Monday 7 July 2026.
- Event timeline: Set-up: 17–18 September 2026,
- Festival days: 19–20 September 2026,
- Take-down: 21 September 2026.
Applications should be submitted via the Business Isle of Man website, with all required documents included at the time of submission. Please direct any queries relating to your application or The Big Manx Feast more broadly, to iomfoodanddrink@gov.im or 01624682367.
Whether you're an experienced festival trader or looking to try something new, The Big Manx Feast is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a major celebration of Manx food and drink.
