On Saturday, 6 September 2025, the Isle of Man’s SA Festival – Isle of Unity returns to Manx Fun Farm, Onchan, bringing a full day of food, music, sport and family-friendly fun inspired by the South African spirit of ubuntu (togetherness). Presented by Isle Settle in collaboration with the Isle of Man Chapter of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK, the festival invites everyone to experience South Africa on their doorstep.
Festivalgoers can browse the Local is Lekker market (‘lekker’ means ‘nice’) of 30+ makers, bakers and small businesses; tuck into favourites at the Food Village (including boerewors rolls, Durban curries and barbecue specialities); and get busy with activities across the Family Zone. A dedicated Connection Zone, powered by HSBC, is designed to help newcomers and long-timers meet, join interest groups, snap a selfie and enter community prize draws.
“It’s a feel-good day out – great food, music and something for everyone – wrapped in the spirit of togetherness we call ubuntu,” says Vanessa Naude of Isle Settle, organiser of the SA Festival – Isle of Unity. “Passport not required – just an appetite and a sense of adventure. South Africans who bring a local friend will both go into the draw for a £65 Silver Spoon Rings voucher; and locals (non-South Africans) attending are entered too. And if you’d like to give back, visit the Connection Zone to join our 67 Minutes Club – a monthly volunteer meet-up supporting island charities.”
June Whiteman, chapter lead of the Isle of Man Chapter of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK, adds: “We’re proud to partner with the Festival again. It showcases the enterprise of our local traders, builds real connections through the Connection Zone, and celebrates the shared values that make our island home so special.”
What’s on (highlights)
- Local is Lekker Market – 30+ stalls of locally-made crafts, deli treats and South African favourites, proudly supported by Business Isle of Man’s Domestic Event Fund.
- Food Fest – from boerie rolls to curries, vetkoek-and-mince, and sweet specialities like melktert, malva pudding, Cream Soda floats and Sparberry smoothies.
- Kids Zone – slime making, cupcake icing, giant inflatables, bouncy castle and crazy golf, supported by Atla Group.
- Games for Grown-Ups – try football darts; plus get up and dance to the Born to Braai, Made to Dance playlist.
- The Ultimate Potjie Master Competition supported by Robinson’s – enter for a chance to win a £50 Robinson’s hamper or support your favourite team.
- Connection Zone powered by HSBC – snap a selfie, sign up to an interest-based club, or join a game of giant jenga
- Sport – family rounders and U/10 tag rugby.
Enter the Ultimate Potjie Masters Challenge supported by Robinson’s
Potjiekos (pronounced “poi-key-koss”) is a much-loved South African slow-cooked stew made in a cast-iron potjie over coals. Teams of four will cook on site from 9am to 3pm before judging and prizegiving, with each member of the winning team receiving a £50 Robinson’s hamper. Think you’ve got what it takes? Get all the info on the Isle Settle website.
Details
- Date: Saturday, 6 September 2025
- Venue: Manx Fun Farm
- Time: 11am–6pm
- Tickets: £10 for adults and £5 for children over 6
- To book: www.islesettle.com/saffa-festival
- For updates: Facebook page – @islesettle
