The Year of Food and Drink has received another massive boost after last night’s announcement that the BBC Good Food Shows will come to Northern Ireland.

Riverside Events, who organise the food spectacular, announced the launch of the BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland at the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 New Year banquet in the Ulster Hall last night. The event will take place from 14 – 16 October 2016 at the Waterfront Hall, and starts a three year engagement with the programme.

The Show will bring the winning food and entertainment format to Belfast, alongside the already established events that take place in Scotland, London, Harrogate and Birmingham. This exciting new event will present some of the nation’s favourite chefs, the region’s very best producers of food, drink and artisan products and state of the art kitchenware and gadgets.

BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland will host live cookery demonstrations from TV favourites Paul Hollywood, The Hairy Bikers and James Martin, plus local star Paul Rankin, in the 800-seat supertheatre. All celebrity chefs and local faces will make an appearance on the Interview Stage whilst the Tasting Theatre will be an excellent showcase of regional produce.

The timing for the brand new show could not be better. 2016 celebrates Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink which will highlight and support the country’s flourishing food and drink sector. The Belfast Waterfront venue has undergone a £29 million investment and will provide the perfect setting for the Show, as well as being an ideal city location with excellent transport links.

Tourism NI Chairman Terence Brannigan said; “Tourism NI is delighted to be joining with the BBC Good Food Show for what will be a three year sponsorship commencing in 2016.

“Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016 is set to highlight, celebrate and capitalise on our wonderful food and drink stories so it is fitting that the BBC Good Food Show commences its three year run this year. The BBC Good Food Show will provide an ideal platform to showcase our award winning food and drink producers, place the spotlight on our talented chefs and celebrated restaurants, and spread the word about Northern Ireland as a fantastic destination.

“I am confident the BBC Good Food Show will make a significant contribution both to Year of Food and Drink 2016 and to the wider economy, helping us to deliver on our long-term aims for tourism to the end of the decade and beyond.”
Chris Kerwin, Publishing Director at BBC Worldwide said, “We’re delighted that the BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland is opening next Autumn. Over time each BBC Good Food Show develops a unique personality, and we believe that this one will be no different. With a strong emphasis on local produce, local talent and the Belfast Waterfront as its backdrop, the BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland is set to be an unmissable event for any foodie’s diary.”

Susie McCullough, Director of Marketing at Belfast Waterfront commented, “We at Belfast Waterfront are proud to be welcoming the BBC Good Food Show to our newly expanded facility in 2016. In Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, it’s fitting that this major event should showcase the best of our local food and hospitality, right in the heart of Belfast.”

Laura Biggs, Managing Director of BBC Good Food Shows who made the announcement at last night’s banquet, commented: “We’re excited to be launching an event into a region that truly loves and celebrates food. There is a wealth of producers in the Northern Ireland region and the location is clearly perfect for us to bring our tried and tested BBC Good Food Show format to Belfast.”