RICHHILL Apple Harvest Fayre is back for a second year with a celebration of County Armagh’s home grown produce combined with a celebration of the centenary of one of the most powerful organizations in the UK – the Women’s Institute.

The fayre, which takes place on Halloween Day this year, will build on the success of the popular village fayre which empowers people to connect with the land through artisan food and drink producers.

To make it extra special, the 2015 fayre is launching in line with the screening of the Great British Menu which will feature Northern Ireland including last year’s fayre where Richhill’s WI showcase the powerful role our local country women play in society.

Over 2,000 people gathered in the village square last year to sample local beef, breads, ciders, juices, potatoes, apples and much more as well as enjoy lots of family entertainment.

Barry Gracey, chairman of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre committee, said with three major themes this year – Food and Drink, Halloween and the Centenary of the WI, this year’s display is one not to be missed.

He said: “The interest in the event across Northern Ireland and further afield is phenomenal. The fayre celebrates the end of the harvest and the vital role our food and drink producers play.

“It brings people together including families, foodies, chefs, storytellers, musicians, bloggers, travel writers, our WI representatives and schools who all want to celebrate the natural beauty of our orchard county and Richhill’s built heritage.

“The fayre is an authentic celebration of Armagh’s distinctive local food and drink and celebrates the Armagh Bramley which achieved PGI status in 2012 – something we are very proud of here in Richhill.

“Families will be able to come and spend the day sampling local food and drink, enjoy children’s activities, listen to buskers, watch chef demonstrations, take part in organized children’s activities and meet animals which have featured in the Game of Thrones.”

Nuala Turtle, of the Richhill WI, said: “On September 16, 1915, a group of women got together which started one of the most powerful organizations in the UK. One hundred years later, WI women continue to bring women of all walks of life together to learn, share, contribute, campaign, and, most of all, have fun.

“Here in Richhill we are proud of our contribution to our community and the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre allows us to showcase that contribution. The current Great British Menu series is a fantastic celebration of the WI and we are honoured that last year’s President, Sybil McNally, features on the popular TV series.”

The Great British Menu featuring last year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will be screened the week commencing August 31, 2015 on BBC Two and will be repeated on Saturdays at 12pm and Sundays at 11:15am.

Admission to this year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is free and dedicated parking areas will be clearly signposted.