Experience Loaghtan Wool from Fleece to Fabric
06/09/22The much-loved Manx Loaghtan Experience will be on display at the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival this year.
The Manx Loaghtan Experience stand will offer visitors the opportunity to meet loaghtan sheep, watch loaghtan fleece being cleaned and carded, enjoy spinning demonstrations, and see Laxey Woollen Mills’ 1926 Hattersley Pedal Loom in action, weaving loaghtan wool into cloth.
A rare breed, loaghtan is the only sheep considered native to the Isle of Man, and with its four horns, neat build, and coarse, dark, wool, it is particularly distinctive from the fluffy, white sheep we’ve come to be familiar with.
Laxey Woollen Mills’ Master Weaver, John Wood, weaves finely spun loaghtan threads into single-width tweed and cloth used for clothing and upholstery, on trusty steed, the 96-year-old Hattersley, which has been operation at the Mill for over 70 years.
Head of Food & Drink Development for Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Adi Moore, commented: ‘We’re delighted to welcome this unique exhibit to the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival. It’s an attraction which brings to prominence ethical, sustainable, eco-friendly Manx produce at its very finest – everything we stand for. The sands at this year’s festival are many and varied, but we think this will be a particular favourite!’
The Food & Drink Festival takes place on the 17th and 18th of September in the Villa Marina gardens, showcasing local businesses dedicated to producing the very best Manx fare.
Weekend passes are £8, available at iomfoodanddrink.com or villagaiety.com
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