World Country Guide

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Food & Drink
Cuisine is English and Manx. Local specialities include queenies (small scallops) and world-famous Manx kippers. A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are available, including Real Manx Ale from the wood and Manx whiskey, gin and vodka. All drinks are cheaper than in the UK. Licensing hours: Public houses open Mon-Thurs 1000-2300, Fri-Sat 1000-2400. On Sunday public houses open 1200-2300. Special opening hours apply to the Easter and Christmas/New Year periods.

Shopping
VAT is at the same rate as the UK and prices are in general similar to those in the UK. Special purchases include Manx tartan, crafts and pottery. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730. Early closing Thursday during the winter months.

Note
For information on people, religion, social conventions, business, tipping and eating and drinking, see the main United Kingdom section.

Special Events
For a complete list, contact the Isle of Man Department of Tourism. The following is a selection of special events occurring in the Isle of Man in 2005:
Jan 1 Peel New Year Dip (swim in Peel Beach). Mar 10-13 Darts Festival, Villa Marina. Mar 19 Southern Gardener’s Spring Show, Port Erin. Mar 23-26 Easter Festival of Sport. Mar 26 Mountain Marathon, Ramsey to Port Erin. Mar 31-Apr 4 Student Festival of Sport. Apr 30-May 2 Round-the-Island Yacht Race, Ramsey Harbour. May 6-7 Roush Rally. May 19-22 Ramsey Angling Festival. May 28-Jun 10 TT Motorcycle Festival. May 29 'Retromobile Isle of Man' & Autojumble, Kirk Michael. Jun 23-Jul 2 Mananan International Festival of Music & the Arts, Port Erin. Jul 2-9 Manx National Week. Jul 28-30 Manx International Rally, throughout the island. Jul 31-Aug 13 British Chess Championships. Aug 6 Manx Angling Festival. Aug 12-13 Royal Manx Agricultural Show, Sulby. Aug 12-14 International Jazz Festival. Aug 20-Sep 2 Manx Grand Prix. Dec 2-4 Winter Mananan Festival, Port Erin.