WHAT’S ON THE MENU AT THE WEXFORD FOOD FESTIVAL
MORE than 10,000 people are expected to descend on Wexford town from Thursday, May 25, until Sunday, May 28, for the Wexford Food and Wine Festival 2017, which has established itself as the must-attend food and drink event in the South East.
This year there will be more exhibitors than before, with an ever-expanding waiting list of those who would love to come on board and promote their products at the event.
The festival is organised by a voluntary committee of local people on a non-profit-making basis, with any money made being donated to charities and local causes. Many of the events are free of charge – but some do have a small fee to cover costs.
This year the local authority has committed to keeping the streets clean and bins empty. It will also provide a better link between Selskar and South Main Street, with a busker and food trail in operation.
Here’s a selection of what’s on the menu.
THURSDAY, MAY 25
Slice of Wexford: Wexford Town Tourism Group, Wexford Food Festival and the Wexford Food Family will have some of the suppliers promoting their local produce in Oyster Lane Restaurant, Talbot Hotel. This is a trade-only event with free entry and will take place at 5 p.m.
Wine and Dine at La Marine Bistro: Enjoy a four-course dinner with dancing afterwards in the Ivy Room for €55 per person. To book a table contact Kelly’s Resort Hotel at 053 9132114.
Eating for Improving Stress Management: A cookery demo and talk with Lorraine Whelan will take place in Wexford Library at 7 p.m. Lorraine will discuss what foods can boost your energy, improve how you handle stress, tackle mood swings and enhance overall wellbeing. Booking is essential for this free event. Contact Wexford Library at 053 9196760.
FRIDAY, MAY 26
White Gypsy Brewing Company Barbecue: There will be a relaxing barbecue in The Sky & The Ground from 8 p.m., where you can meet with the White Gypsy Brewing team from Tipperary.
SATURDAY, MAY 27
Free Open Air Food Producers Market: Selskar Street and South Main Street will host an outdoor food market at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. featuring local, regional and Welsh artisan producers. There will be a display of fresh produce and to add to the festival atmosphere Emerald Folk will provide street entertainment.
Fulacht Fiadh: In the Bronze Age, pits were filled with water and heated stones were thrown in to create a pool of boiling water in which meat was cooked. An exciting demonstration of this method will take place in the Irish National Heritage Park at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. To book, contact the Heritage Park at 053 9120733.
Baby-Led Feeding Demonstration: It is not about depriving children of treats, foods or sauces they love, but making healthier choices that taste amazing. The demo will be on at 2 p.m. in the Wexford Library free of charge. To book a place contact the Library at 053 9196760.
Wine and Dine at Greenacres: A very special wine and food night hosted by winemaker Jonathan Ducourt. To book a table contact Greenacres at 0539122975. Numbers are strictly limited – first come, first served.
SUNDAY, MAY 28
The Happy Pear Swim and Breakfast: In conjunction with Wexford Masters Open Water Swim Club there will be a 500mand 1,000m swim at 10 a.m. at Rosslare Strand. Entry is €10 for swim only, with unlimited numbers. Swim and a breakfast at Wild & Native is €20, with numbers limited to 45. Profits are in aid of RNLI. To book contact 087 6887319.
Free Open Air Food Producers Market: The markets at Selskar and South Main Street take place again today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fulacht Fiadh: A fulacht fiadh demonstration takes place at the Heritage Park again today. Call the park at 053 9120733 to book.
Guided Foraging: The Foraging excursion is by the Blackstairs Eco Trails and will take place at midday. Everyone will be meeting at the public car park at The Raven, Curracloe, and are advised to wear appropriate clothing. It costs €10 per person with children under 12 free.
The trip lasts 90 minutes and will include free food tastings and recipes. Confirm your attendance by calling Mary at 0872707189.
The Happy Pear Cookery Demonstration: Stephen and David Flynn will be hosting a cooking demo in Greenacres at 12.30 p.m. Tickets are €15 from Greenacres and numbers are strictly limited.
SOUTH MAIN ALE TRAIL
Simon Lambert & Sons, The Sky & The Ground and Bugler Doyles are participating in the South Main Ale Trail, running for the duration of the festival.
Simon Lambert & Sons, home of Wexford’s YellowBelly Beer, will have brand new limited edition beers pouring over the weekend as well as an outdoor festival bar.
The Sky & The Ground has a number of highlights across the South Main Ale Trail, such as Dublin’s Booka Brass Band on Thursday night, a White Gypsy Brewing Company Barbecue on Friday night, a Red Breast Whiskey Tasting on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. and live music on Sunday evening.
Bugler Doyles has its own programme of events over the festival. This includes live music from Thursday to Saturday from 9:30 p.m. onwards.