Nearly matching the formal portraits on the wall of Westport House during the launch of Westport Food Festival 2017 were Stephanie Colombani (Westport Chamber of Commerce), Minister Michael Ring, Eoin McDonnell (chairman of Westport Food Festival and head chef Wyatt Hotel). Photo: Michael McLoughlin

Banquet in Westport House

THE annual celebration of gastronomy that is Westport Food Festival takes place from Friday to Sunday, June 23 to 25. The organisers are promising a programme with something for all ages, from mini chefs right up to fully fledged foodies.

The highlight of the busy festival weekend is an exclusive Midsummer Banquet at Westport House.

Fittingly, Westport House was the location for the launch by Minister of State Michael Ring who said Westport Food Festival 'has become a stalwart on the town calendar and really shines a light on the exceptional food, producers and chefs in the county. The festival promises to be even bigger and better this year than ever before'.

 

Midsummer Banquet at Westport House

The festival kicks off on Friday night, June 23, with a stunning new event – the Midsummer Banquet in the glorious setting of Westport House. This elegant and exclusive evening will feature a seven-course tasting menu, live music and all the trimmings.

Numbers are strictly limited to 120 guests and tickets, costing €100 each, will be available through Hotel Westport. Appropriately it is a black tie event, in keeping with the stylish surroundings.

We’re overwhelmed by the response to our Midsummer Banquet”, said festival chairman Eoin McDonnell (head chef at the Wyatt Hotel). “Demand for tickets is already high and we’re expecting it to sell out very quickly. It’s a once off opportunity to experience Westport House as visitors would have in its heyday.”

 

Fairgreen Food Village

Once again the Fairgreen is the venue for the busy Festival Food Village on Saturday, June 24. It will be choc a bloc with market stalls and a busy programme of cookery demonstrations and children’s events will run all day in the festival marquee. Other attractions include the Fast Food Race, Seaweed and Mushroom Foraging, Gourmet Kayaking with Clew Bay Bike Hire, and Gin, Wine and Whiskey Appreciation with Foody Tours.

 

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