Whilst the weather may not have been as hot as it has been in recent weeks, it didn’t stop the masses from visiting this year’s Garlic Festival last weekend.
The annual event, held on Fighting Cocks Crossroads, has been running since 1983 and this year’s event was one of the busiest for a long while with activities, entertainment and food aplenty.
A popular hit was the challenge set by The Garlic Farm’s Colin Boswell – the garlic king – that saw people test their palette by trying bites of garlic with different strengths.
Dog owners were also encouraged to bring their pets along to compete in the festival’s very first dog show.
As usual, there was a wide range of The Garlic Farm’s own products on sale including its dressings, sauces and bulbs.
Those looking for some entertainment were treated to a BMX stunt show, wheel of death and the garlic games among others, with Titan the Robot making an appearance on the Sunday. Even kids were kept entertained as the travelling fun fair made a stop at the show – before it headed back to the mainland.
Musical acts Foo Fighterz, Graham Fenton from Matchbox, Jersey Guys, Baggy Wrinkles and Liverpool Echoes all kept the good vibes going and managed to draw big crowds on the main stage.
Wave Project IW was selling garlic smothered sweetcorn, with long queues experienced on nearly all food stalls all weekend long. Whilst over in the live Theatre Kitchen, talented chefs – including the Island’s own Robert Thompson – showcased their skills. The kitchen was hosted by Tom Stroud.
One of the last major events of the summer, this year’s festival showcased that the Island is still as popular as ever.
