Moira Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August as Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council prepares to welcome visitors to a free two-day celebration of Northern Ireland’s food, drink, artisan producers and family entertainment. This year’s event will feature exciting new experiences including a new discussion stage exploring the stories behind Northern Ireland’s thriving food and drink sector.
Following the success of last year’s 10th anniversary celebrations, which attracted more than 14,500 visitors, organisers are expecting another record turnout. Returning favourites include live chef demonstrations, artisan food producers, street food, local crafts, children’s entertainment and tasting opportunities, while this year’s new discussion stage will host interviews and panel discussions led by Love NI Food Podcast presenter Shauna Magill-Fegan.
Whether visitors are passionate food lovers or simply looking for a memorable summer day out, the fair offers something for every age and taste while celebrating the very best of Northern Ireland’s food, drink and craftsmanship.
Commenting on the return of the Moira Speciality Food Fair, Alderman James Baird, Chair of the Regeneration & Growth Committee, said: “Moira Speciality Food Fair has become one of Northern Ireland’s most anticipated food and drink events, showcasing the outstanding quality, innovation and passion of our local producers, growers and makers. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for families and visitors to spend time together while discovering new flavours and supporting local businesses.”
Visitors can enjoy everything from artisan baking and handcrafted chocolates to award-winning coffee, locally produced preserves, speciality cheeses, with local favourites including The Pie Shop Moira and Kin & Folk Bakery. Northern Ireland’s farming community will be showcased with meat, dairy and vegetable producers.
The expanded Street Food Hub will feature returning favourites such as The Flavoursmyth and Tapitas alongside exciting new traders including Coop Coffee Co and Nomad. Moira’s own Noreen’s Nettles will bring a distinctive twist to the street food offering with a unique nettle-infused menu, while live-fire cooking specialist chef Rory Gorman (Mischief) will add to the food theatre with his outdoor cooking demonstrations. Both Noreen and Rory share a passion for showcasing local produce and sustainable approaches to cooking. Additional seating will encourage visitors to relax, enjoy the festival atmosphere and make the most of the expanded food experience.
Across both days, some of Northern Ireland’s best-known chefs will take to the demonstration stage, including Chris McGowan (Wine & Brine), Sabeh Sendi (Carthago Moira), TV chef and food writer Paula McIntyre and Stevie Higginson (Square Bistro), sharing recipes, cooking tips and inspiration using locally sourced ingredients. The popular Craft Bar Tent will be hosted this year by the team from Square Bistro.
The new discussion stage will also give visitors the opportunity to hear from local producers, chefs and food champions as they share the stories behind Northern Ireland’s thriving food and drink industry.
Complementing the food and drink offering will be a showcase of local artists and craftspeople with unique homewares, jewellery and gifts including Ali Parks Art, Amber Jordan Design, Bough & Burr, Ayeen Art and Simply N Jewellery.
Families can also enjoy face painting, giant garden games, street theatre, balloon modelling, interactive drumming workshops and live music throughout the weekend, including performances from the Arco String Quartet and Rock Choir.
For more information on traders and a full programme of events visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com or follow Visit Lisburn Castlereagh on Facebook.com/visitlisburncastlereagh; Instagram @visitlisburncastlereagh; TikTok @visitlisburncastlereagh
