08-08-2025
Royal Manx Agricultural Show expected to attract 20,000 over two-day event
Organisers explain how important the show is to the agricultural sector on the Isle of Man
Around 20,000 people are expected to attend the annual Royal Manx Agricultural Show on the Isle of Man.
The event showcases a range of Manx produce, highlighting the agricultural sector on the island.
This year marks 174 years since the event started, remaining an important date in the farming calendar.
Show director, Andrew Corrin, said: "I've heard it described as the shop window for agriculture, which it is.
"I mean people aren't around farms everyday - a lot of people never see a farm - so to be able to see what happens and what goes on - you need an event like this to show the general public what we do.
Farmers on the island have said the event is essential in keeping the sector going.
Secretary to the show, Carol Kennaugh, added: "There's a lot going on at the moment about how important it is for people to buy local and how much is produced locally.
"The Isle of Man is 33 miles long and 17 miles wide, so our food has a very very low mileage travelling.
"It's just really important - it keeps our economy going - it keeps people in business."
Some of the events available to see at the show include horse displays, dog ability classes and a parade of classic cars.
A number of livestock competitions then take place on Saturday with classes for dairy cattle, calves, beef cattle, heavy horses, sheep, donkeys and meg lambs, as well as a fur and feather tent.
This concludes with the Grand Parade at 16:00, where the 'Supreme Champion' is crowned.
Vendors and visitors flock to Knockaloe in Patrick in the west of the island on Friday and Saturday.
The gates open at 09:30 BST on both days, with the show field closing at 17:00.
Mr Corrin, said: "This is just an empty field throughout the year, and we just start from scratch and set out.
"And then there's a team of volunteers who come for a few weeks to start putting marque's up."
More information on the Royal Manx Agricultural Show can be found here.
