IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL FOOD INDUSTRY PUT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The importance of supporting the local food industry is being highlighted in a new culinary event guaranteed to tantalize and tickle tastebuds which kicked off this week.
The ‘Great Belfast Food Week’ running from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 March – will promote all that is good about local food, its producers and those who bring it to our tables.
Top local chefs such as Paul Rankin, Nick Price and Jason More will be joined by their celebrity friends James Martin and Gino D’Acampo, as well as broadcaster Sheila Dillon, will spend four days highlighting Northern Ireland’s unique food culture and history, as well as the benefits of supporting the local food industry.
“Buying food which is produced locally, processed locally and prepared and sold locally is one of the best ways of supporting the local economy and sustaining local jobs, especially in these difficult economic times” commented Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee.
“As well as celebrating and showcasing the best of our local produce, the ‘Great Belfast Food Week’ will give local food producers and chefs the opportunity to demonstrate the quality and exquisite nature of Northern Ireland’s food and showcase our local culinary talent.
The ‘Great Belfast Food Week’ is organised by Belfast City Council, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Regional Development, through the Northern Ireland Food Programme. Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew commented:
"Belfast Food Week will offer both customers and tourists an opportunity to sample the high quality of the produce available from our local agri-food industry. By making regional food an integral part of the Food Week and by attracting renowned chefs capable of converting the raw ingredients into favourite dishes with a cosmopolitan twist, Belfast City Council have embraced the message that local food is good food and incorporated it into their food tourism initiatives.”
The event is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund, under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Kathryn Thomson, NITB Chief Operating Officer, said:
“NITB is delighted to support this venture through the Tourism Innovation Fund, which will not only help boost tourism throughout the city but will also make a valuable contribution to the local economy.”
The ‘Great Belfast Food Week’ will see a variety of events and demonstrations at key locations in and around Belfast city centre, including:
- a chance to sample a delicious four course lunch, hosted by Gino D’Acampo and using fresh ingredients sourced directly from St George’s Market (Friday 26 March), and also see his twist on the ‘Great Belfast Menu’, assisted by Paul Rankin, at Connswater Shopping Centre and selected other city centre venues (Thursday 25 March);
- enjoy the ‘Belfast Kitchen’ with James Martin, Paul Rankin, Nick Price and Jason More, at the Ulster Museum on Wednesday 24 March (9.30am);
- a ‘Good Food means Good Business’ breakfast seminar, with Martin Hamilton, of Mash Direct, giving an insight into his award winning company’s strategy for success, at the Holiday Inn on Thursday 25 March (8am);
- Nick Price and Sheila Dillon, presenter of Radio 4’s ‘Good Food Programme’, talking about the Slow Food Movement, at the Grand Opera House on Friday 26 March (2.30pm);
- a Saturday culinary walking trail through the heart of city, led by Sheila Dillon and Kabosh Theatre, leaving from Sawers in Fountain Lane at 10am and ending at St George’s Market; and
- the inaugural Chocolate Festival at St George’s Market, which will bring events to a close on Saturday 27 March (11am -3pm).
For more information on all events during the Great Belfast Food Week, log on to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/lovefood
Tickets are available for all events from the Belfast Welcome Centre in Donegall Place. To book, call +44 (0)28 9024 6609.
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