Sun shines on Enniscorthy as 50,000 flock to the Rockin’ Food Festival
The date may have changed but the quality and the food and music didn’t alter at the ninth annual Rockin’ Food Festival. Held over the May Bank Holiday weekend to avoid a clash with the Fleadh Cheoil in August, the festival drew huge crowds from across the country as they flocked to Enniscorthy for a unique blend of artisan food, family fun, and rock ‘n’ roll music.
The festival was officially opened by Minister James Browne on Friday evening and then came the fireworks, a spectacular display wowing the crowds at The Promenade by The Riverside Park Hotel. The following day Enniscorthy woke up to clear skies and sunny weather as the first visitors arrived for an array of culinary delights from local, Irish and international food producers.
All tastes were catered for, with artisanal local cheese and crackers to locally produced fruits, jams and chocolates on offer. Members of the Wexford Food Producers Network (WFPN) retailed their products, offered talks, tastings and enjoyed an industry drinks reception in The Food Marquee over the weekend.
Guests enjoyed a ‘Drinks and Food Showcase’ presented by WFPN with a display of the best food and beverages produced by Wexford companies. In addition to local producers, some of the county’s best chefs were also present, with cooking demonstrations from Paul Hynes of La Cote Restaurant, John Whelan from The Devil’s Menu and Alan Kennedy from Kennedy Craft Butchers, along with RTE Today Show’s chef Shane Smith and national favourite chef Kevin Dundon.
The team from the Enniscorthy Community Allotments were on hand to host a variety of workshops,, while live music played in The Market Square throughout the weekend. There was also a huge selection of kids’ activities, with arts and crafts, puppetry, discos and a funfair, while Disney characters roamed the streets keeping the smaller ones entertained.
Eric Barron, Chairman of The Rockin’ Food Festival, said, “This year’s festival surpassed all expectations, attracting crowds in excess of 50,000 people over the course of the weekend, who came to enjoy the unique nature of the festival. Huge thanks to our funders, Wexford County Council, Failte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, The Riverside Park Hotel and Enniscorthy Credit Union for their continued support of one of Wexford’s largest festivals.”
Event organiser Amanda Whitmore said, “The combination of quality artisanal food and food events combined with rock ‘n’ roll music, created an unforgettable experience for all who attended. It’s truly heartening to see the community come together to enjoy this festival and each year we try to add a new element to continue to grow and develop the festival.
“The success of The Rockin’ Food Festival underpins Wexford’s growing reputation as a culinary destination, where tradition meets innovation in a harmonious blend of flavours and cultures. As the festival draws to a close, organisers and attendees alike eagerly anticipate its return next year, promising another unforgettable celebration of food, music, and community.”