TT market gave small traders 'much-needed' boost

A new seaside market showcasing local food and drink during the Isle of Man TT provided a boost for small traders "that really need it", those involved have said.

The inaugural Mann Made Festival on from 23 May to 6 June on the site of the Bottleneck Car Park at the southern end of the Douglas Promenade.

Andrew Saunders of Event Management Solutions said despite some challenges with unsettled weather, the festival was "extremely well received by the public".

He said he hoped the market, which featured food and drink stalls, a bar and live music performances, would return "bigger and better" in 2026.

With from the Domestic Event Fund, the festival saw stalls selling TT-themed artwork, local crafts, baked goods and South African biltong.

Mr Saunders said the free-to-enter venue had been set up to highlight "how great real Manx produce can be" and gave smaller firms the opportunity capitalise on the island's additional visitors.

There had been "lots of " from both locals and visitors "even when the weather could have been better", he said.

For next year the team would rethink the layout to make it "more inclusive" and create a "market street" to promote "more of what the Isle of Man has to offer", he added.

Motorcycle artist John Hancox said it was a chance to display his designs during the TT after the cancellation of annual drag race the Ramsey Sprint where he would usually host a stall.

A self-confessed TT and bike fanatic, he said regulars at the event came to find him in the Manx capital, and he also "met lots of really nice new faces from all over the world".

The artist said it had been "a really positive experience" with a planned rest day from racing on 5 June, which also saw a red arrows display in Douglas Bay, being his busiest.

Owner of Just Jenny's in Castletown Jenny Merrick said her takeaway cake and coffee business would usually shut for the fortnight as there was "not much trade" in the south of the island during the period.

But she said "selling was incredible" at the market, where she was visited by regular customers, new local faces and visitors from all over the world.

"We made more in one day at the festival than in two weeks in Castletown at TT... and we sold out every day we pitched up," she said.

It had been a "fantastic opportunity for small businesses" on the island, she added.

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