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Rural highlight at Ballakilmurrey

The first, and perhaps most famous, ploughing match of the year in the Isle of Man takes place today.

The 73rd Cronk y Voddy event is being staged at Ballakilmurrey on the Poortown Road out of Peel.

It runs through the day regardless of weather, finishing at 3.15pm

There are classes for Manx and World style ploughing, vintage tractors and the ever popular horse drawn ploughs, a class which this year has several competitors from Ireland.

Hot food, homemade cakes, tea and coffee are available in the marquee, from 11.30am.

A prize presentation and supper takes place this evening at the Methodist Hall in St John's, along with a concert compered by Manx Radio's own Simon Clarke.

Proceeds from the event will go to this year's nominated charity, the British Heart Foundation.

To get to Ballkilmurrey you turn left at Ballig Bridge on the TT course, just beyond Ballacraine, and head towards Peel.

The field is on the right, close to the old entrance to the Poortown Quarry.

Start time for main event: 10.15am.

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