Sunshine leads to Royal Manx Show 'bumper year'

Good weather on both days led to a "bumper year" for the largest showcase of the the Isle of Man's agricultural industry, the show's secretary has said.

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show, held at Knockaloe in Patrick, saw thousands of people attend on Friday and Saturday.

Show secretary Carol Kennaugh said the 2024 event "had far more people through the gates" and saw a jump in the online sales of tickets.

The annual event includes stock judging, dog agility, sheep shearing, vintage tractor parades and has local trade stands.

The event, which has been running since the 1850s, attracts about 20,000 visitors each year.

Ms Kennaugh said agriculture was "one of the backbone industries of the island", and giving people not involved in the sector an understanding of what work goes into food production was "so important".

She said her highlight of the show "will always be the grand parade", which sees the the crowning of the Supreme Champion from the winners of each of the stock classes represented at he event.

The 2023 Supreme Championship was awarded to Vicky Sloane-Masson and Neil Masson of Ballacricket and Sandra Cowell Sandra Cowell for their Holstein cow called Aliann Apples Red Rose.

First reserve went to Brian Leece's Limousin cow named Mannin Mary, second reserve went to light horse the Real McCoy ridden by Abby Kirkpatrick, and third reserve was awarded to Ned Kennaugh's Heavy Horse called Brickell Diamond Jubilee.

Ms Kennaugh said the event entailed "365 days of preparation", including "a good six week putting the show field together".

Praising the volunteers involved in making the event happen, she said "everybody who has touched the show has helped make it the success that it deserves to be".

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