Some dates for the diaries for all you Isle of Man food lovers out there.

Isle of Man Queenie Festival 1 July 2010 – 5 July 2010

The islands first food festival and now in its third year, The Isle of Man Queenie Festival is an annual event held to celebrate one of the Island’s favourite local seafoods , the Queen Scallop, more commonly known on the Isle of Man as the Queenie. Lots of family fun and entertainment, cooking demos, barbecues, recipe competitions and Marine fun.

Southern District Agricultural Show 31 July 2010 – 1 August 2010

An Agricultural Show held at the Great Meadow, Castletown. Lots of livestock, local producers, cookery, stalls, Young Farmers and a great day out for all the family.

Royal Manx Agricultural Show 13 August 2010 – 14 August 2010

The Isle of Man’s showcase farming and producer show.Dog show , Horse show, motor bike display , Craft stalls , Falconry Displays . Lots of livestock, local producers, cookery, stalls, Young Farmers and a great day out for all the family.

Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival Dates to be confirmed

The Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival is a celebration of the very best of Manx produce. The festival normally takes place in September at the Villa Marina gardens. Check out the 2009 Isle of Man Food Festival here.

If and when I find out more I will post them up here.

Here is a bit of a list that Gourmet Shark has put together for some food resolutions for 2010!

1. Shop local – If you’re shopping make a special effort to find Manx food. Always check the label and check where the food has come from? Look out for the Manx produce and the I love Manx logo in the supermarkets or head to one of the local farmers markets around the island.

2. Eat seasonal food – Not only does it taste really good, but it’s also much better for you and provides many of the nutrients we need to stay healthy. Download What’s in season (pdf) Coming Soon!

3. Try a local dish – When next in a pub or restuarant, try a local local beer with a local speciality for an authentic experience that reflects the character of the Isle of Man it could be local seafood or Loughton Lamb. Ask the staff what they would recommend.

4. Try something different – Explore what the Isle of Man has to offer, there are loads of producers sprouting up all the time, its not just meat and cheese. What about the Apple Orphanage and their Elderflower Keshal or Cocoa Reds handmade chocolates, not only is it all good stuff, its also a bit of fun!

5. Pick your own – You can’t beat being able to enjoy fresh fruit selected and picked by yourself. There is the farm at the White Bridge just outside Onchan (can’t remember the name) or simply have scrabble in the hedgerows for some blackberries.

6. Cook a Manx meal for friends or at least use Manx produce – Nothing beats Manx Queenies or Pork Chops, there really is so more on offer these days it really is more than just spuds and Herring (although that is pretty tasty!)

7. Get along to a food event - There are the Saturday Farmers Markets, but don’t forget events like the Southern Agricultural Show, The Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival and the Isle of Man Queenie Festival just to name but a few.

8. Why not grow your own - Eating food you have grown yourself – even if it is just a few spuds is very satisfying. Lettuce, herbs and carrots are easy to grow and you do not need much space to do it – I am even going to give it a go but more about that another time!

9. Have a Manx BBQ – Get yourself out and about to many of the local beaches or simply in your back garden. Try some local steaks or marinade some lamb. Not only is BBQ food so tasty its a great way to socialise with neighbours or friends.

10. Celebrate the local harvest – Support one of the many local of Harvest Festivals or Mhelliah’s. They are a celebration, help to raise money for the local community and some are even held in the pub – no excuse!

The main thing is to enjoy the wide variety of local food and produce of the Isle of Man.