Belfast Taste and Music Festival Aug 09

The Diageo Tent
The Diageo Tent

Well I had a great time in Botanic yesterday with my friend Chris – thanks to the Belfast Taste and Music Fest. Not knowing what to expect we were more than pleasantly surprised.

A bargain at a fiver for the entertainment and great company we met on the day. Being from the heart of mid ulster it was fanstastic to meet a friend of mine the minute we got through the gates who very kindly introduced me to the enigmatic Connie Cunningham and her husband – it was a great pleasure.

Two years in planning every angle was covered.  We arrived to the dulcit tones of Juliet Turner – perfect afternoon music – and then the boulevard of chefs mini restaurants with all the aromas floating through the air – it was a very difficult choice but found I spent most of my little branded tokens on original Chicago Pizza.   Believe me – it was more than good!

Jimmy - what a great guy!
Jimmy - what a great guy!

Although I noticed while I was enjoying my pizza that the longest queue seemed to be for Mr. Paul Catterson of Mango Maghera (almost a neighbour of mine).  All being well Paul will be supplying some gourmet treats at this years Lough Neagh Food Festival  on the 12th September.

Then James Huish and his band lit up the stage with their Micheal Buble style easy listening medley – this guy has a great voice – I loved it, but sadly not as much as I loved Jimmy Bannos’s Blueberry Blasters!!

So huge congratulations to Connie and her team – for all her hard work pulling off such a huge event (it’s not as easy as some people might think).  Everyone is talking about it very positively – NI needs more events like this – pulling people together from all backgrounds to enjoy good the amazing food and music that NI has to offer.

The Main Stage
The Main Stage
The Boulevard from a distance
The Boulevard from a distance
Keeping the hungry public happy!!
Keeping the hungry public happy!!
And Ireland loves Chicago! (Pizza)
And Ireland loves Chicago! (Pizza)