Belfast’s picturesque Botanic Gardens will be the undoubted destination for gardeners and gastronomes alike next month.
The Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party, which is jointly organised by Belfast City Council and Tesco, takes place in the south Belfast park over the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.
The finest food from the best local producers will tantalise and tease the taste buds and sate the appetite of even the most discerning foodie, while there also will be cookery demonstrations, live music and children’s entertainment.
Alongside the food and entertainment will be Belfast City Council’s Autumn Flower Show, the biggest in the Province. Now in its 29th year, it will see displays of thousands of colourful prize blooms, alongside exhibits of monster-size vegetables and prize-winning fuchsias, bonsai, cacti, and other delights from local gardens, allotments, greenhouses, wine cellars and beehives.
Launching the event, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, commented:
“Over the past number of years, this event has proven to be one of the most popular events staged in the city, and it is an undoubted highlight of both the culinary and gardening calendars. This year will have more local producers than ever before, and I am delighted that it has the added benefit of being free.”
Caoimhe Mannion, Marketing Manager with Tesco NI, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Council to host the Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party. We are committed to supporting producers across Northern Ireland and this event, which celebrates the very best of the region’s food and drink, is testament to that.”
The event is also tipped to be the most environmentally friendly in the city this year, with all the food and drink served in recycled or biodegradable containers and ample recycling facilities available onsite. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags and to use public transport or pedal power in getting to and from the event, cycle racks will be provided. Belfast City Council staff will be on hand to give advice on recycling, home composting and other environmental issues.
The Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party takes place at Botanic Gardens, Belfast, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September. Opening hours are 11am – 6pm (12.30pm – 6pm for the Autumn Flower Show) each day and admission is free.
Botanic Gardens will remain open for the duration of the event, however access will be controlled.
Further information is available by visiting www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events, from the Belfast Welcome Centre in Donegall Place or by telephoning +44 (0)28 9024 6609.