FOOD Mouthwatering line-up for Westport Food Festival

On the first weekend of September, the annual Westport Food Festival takes over the town. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever before, and the organisers are promising a programme with something for all ages, from mini chefs right up to mature foodies. The challenge will be to fit everything in!

Try life on two wheels with the Bike Buffet, on foot with the Mushroom Foragers or, if that doesn’t appeal, join the Foody Tours group travelling around the town and tasting as they go. Do you dare to be a little more adventurous and take to the high seas on the kayaking tour? Needless to say you’ll be well fed after all that activity.

A Food Fest Forum tales place on Friday night, focusing on Sustainability Along the Wild Atlantic Way. Saturday sees the popular Food Village at The Octagon, with chef demonstrations and live music. Entrance is free and the Food Village is open from 12 noon on Saturday. The Food & Fringe Festival, showcasing the best of local producers’ artisan produce, is also back this year, and will take place at the Octagon from 12 noon to 6pm. New for this year is the Lords & Ladles tour at Westport House, while Gracy’s restaurant in the demesne grounds is the venue for the Kids’ Pizza Making – creative activity for three to 12 year olds.

Watch out for fun on the streets as the inaugural Bartenders’ Beer race brings laughs and entertainment for everyone, participants and onlookers alike. You could trip the light fantastic too and pop indoors for the Afternoon Tea Dance at Hotel Westport.

The weekend celebration of food concludes with the now traditional Secret Supper, where diners don’t know until a last moment lottery which local restaurant they will eat in. The pressure is on the restaurants and chefs though, as everyone gets to cast their vote, and the winners are announced at the Westport Food Festival Wrap Party in the town centre. Book your tickets early, as this event sold out very quickly last year.

The full programme and further details are available on www.westportfoodfestival.ie. Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter too, for up to the moment festival updates.