Foodies and Families gather to enjoy local artisan food and drink at 4th annual Speciality Food Fair

August 21, 2018

Over 7,500 members of the public flocked to Moira Demesne on Saturday 18th August to support local traders in this year’s Speciality Food Fair hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and supported by the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. Foodies from across the country and beyond spent the day enjoying the many diverse foods and flavours on offer from some of Northern Ireland’s finest artisan producers including Abernethy Butter, Ke Nako Biltong, Krazi Baker, Harnett’s Oils, Burren Balsamics, Ruby Blue Liqueurs, Crumbs Vegan Bakery and Ballyriff Buffalo, among many others.

In addition to the fabulous choice of food and drink on offer at the event, the Speciality Food Fair offered plenty of attractions to satisfy the whole family including interactive children’s nature workshops and Kitchen Sessions with local chefs Danni Barry, Chris McGowan, Stephen Jeffers and Northern Ireland’s own celebrity chef Paula McIntyre, MBE. The event also showcased fantastic masterclasses by local craft cider and cocktails experts, as well as a wide range of street foods to cater for every palate.

Speaking about the event, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Uel Mackin, said, “There is strong base of high quality local food and drink producers in our council area and indeed Northern Ireland as a whole, and the Speciality Food Fair is a great platform for these producers to showcase their goods and interact directly with their customers. Food festivals have become increasingly popular over the last number of years and I am pleased that the council hosts a number of these events that see all the family enjoy a great day out.” 

Reflecting on the growth of the Speciality Food Fair, now in its 4th year, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee said, “We are delighted that the Speciality Food Fair has continued to grow in popularity over its first four years at Moira Demesne. It is a key annual date on the summer calendar for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and it’s great to see so many people from the local community and beyond turn out to support local producers. As always, the food, entertainment and overall atmosphere of the Food Fair was first class and enjoyed by all who took advantage of this free event.”