A foodie feast for all at Speciality Food Fair

Moira-based Great British Menu Chef Chris McGowan, Wine & Brine, serves up a local picnic to Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairperson for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Development Committee and Event Organiser Joanne McErlain, Babble, including charcuterie and cheeses available at the upcoming Speciality Food Fair Moira, Saturday 20th August at Moira Demesne. Organised by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, this yearÃ¢Â¬"s fair will see over 40 small-batch artisan producers from as close as Moira and as far as Derry gather for an afternoon of kitchen sessions led by esteemed local chefs, opportunities for customers to interact with and purchase directly from artisan producers, and outdoor areas to enjoy the best of Northern IrelandÃ¢Â¬"s local produce and artisan goods al fresco. For more information on the many local producers confirmed for this yearÃ¢Â¬"s fair visit http://www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/.

Featuring a wide range of primary and artisan producers from the Moira area and across Northern Ireland, this year’s Fair is expected to be a date not to be missed by food enthusiasts and families across the province.

Reflecting on the growth of this year’s Fair, Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairperson of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Development Committee said, “Following the first Speciality Food Fair in Moira last year, we were delighted by the positive feedback we received from both the producers and guests who enjoyed an afternoon of local food, drink and entertainment.”

“In 2016 – Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink – our aim is to grow this event significantly, and we are looking forward to welcoming even more small-batch artisan producers and visitors from not only the locality, but from across Northern Ireland.”

This year’s festival, held in conjunction with Tourism Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, will include many award-winning food offerings to suit all tastes.

Commenting on the diversity of local artisan food producers scheduled to set up shop at Moira Demesne event organiser Joanne McErlain, Babble, said, “We are really pleased with the diverse range of food on offer at this year’s Speciality Food Fair Moira.

“We have expanded the offering and have some fabulous new niche producers coming on board. Food trends and dietary needs will be catered for with sourdough baked goods, fermented, gluten free and vegan foods to be discovered. We are very keen to maintain the festival vibe and ensure that Speciality Food Fair becomes an annual must attend event that is as much a social occasion as anything else.”

Entry and parking to the Speciality Food Fair Moira is free. The Fair will run from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 20th August.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/foodfairmoira or follow the Speciality Food Fair Moira on Twitter and Instagram @FoodFairMoira.