As we enter the season renowned for the best of Northern Ireland’s food and drinks festivals, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced its own unique programme of Food & Drink experiences, planned to run from June to December 2019.
With several exciting events, festivals and tasting experiences scheduled to take place across Hillsborough, Moira, Lisburn and Dundonald, food lovers from across Northern Ireland and those travelling from further afield have plenty to look forward to over the coming months.
The 2019 LCCC Food & Drink Programme was officially launched at The StillHouse of Moira and the line-up includes a number of larger scale events happening across the Council area including the popular Hillsborough Farmers’ Markets and Moira’s Speciality Food Fair, which this year is spreading its wings and running for 2 days (17th and 18th August) as part of a newly created Moira Festival.
There will be a series of ticketed intimate events including a ‘Global Cuisine’ themed series of cookery classes, a ‘Winter Drinks Masterclass’ and a ‘Long Table Dining’ experience, hosted over the coming months by chefs, producers and hospitality providers from within the Lisburn Castlereagh area.
Commenting on the exciting Food & Drink Programme, newly elected Chairman of the council’s Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, said,
“We are delighted to be able to coincide the launch our 2019 Food & Drink Programme at the start of the summer season of food markets and festivals. This year we have introduced several smaller, more intimate events and masterclasses across the council area that will give local talented traders the opportunity to showcase their produce. I would encourage you get to your tickets for the ‘meet the maker’ events that tickle your taste buds.
“The Moira Festival will start on Thursday 15th August with a programme that includes a Meet the Producer themed supper in Wine and Brine, designed and cooked by Chef Chris McGowan; a comedy evening in the Distillery at The StillHouse; and a Family Fun and Music Street Party in Moira on Friday 16th August.”
Alderman Ewart MBE added: “The council is delighted that the ever-popular Hillsborough Farmers’ and Christmas Markets, and the Speciality Food Fair will return once again to Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort and Moira Demesne. It is also excited to be hosting two new food events this autumn: ‘Festival of Food’ in Lisburn and ‘Taste the Harvest’ in Dundonald. Over the coming months we look forward to seeing how our Food & Drink Programme rolls out. We would encourage all families, friends and food enthusiasts from across the country to attend and get a real taste of what Lisburn Castlereagh has to offer.”
Following the official launch of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Food and Drink Programme, the second Hillsborough Farmers’ Market of the season will take place on Saturday 29th June at the Dark Walk, Hillsborough Fort. With up to 40 stalls, visitors can once again expect a range of seasonal produce with additional offerings including horticulture and handmade organic skincare and crafts. Marketgoers will experience a delicious array of fresh, artisan foods and home-grown favourites from traders such as Indie Fude, Barn and Bread, Castlescreen Farm, among others.
For more information and updates visit – www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com.