Waterford gears up for annual Harvest Festival
Waterford Harvest Festival Directors Martin Nolan and Mark Dunne with Chef Keith Boyle. Photograph: Patrick Browne
From the Blaa to organic wine, this year's Waterford Harvest Festival will feature a packed programme of events from September 6 to 8.
Now in its 15th year, the festival celebrates great food and the people who produce it, while at the same time taking place in venues across Waterford City.
While the main focus of attention will be food, there are lots of other attractions and activities planned to keep all members of the family entertained. For food lovers this year's festival will feature a diverse range of mouthwatering events to get the taste buds excited.
On Saturday, September 7, a selection of Taste Waterford members will present cooking demos. People attending will have the opportunity to enjoy curated dining experiences courtesy of multi-awarding winning Momo and Michelin guide featured Everett’s.
Under the theme, 'Locally Sourced, Seasonally Inspired', Momo will celebrate harvest season on Friday, September 6, with a harvest dinner and wine-tasting event, showcasing local suppliers and favourite organic wines. Tickets are priced €60 for the tasting menu plus €40 for the wine pairing.
With a reputation for excellence Everett’s has retained the Michelin Bib Gourmand award since 2022, by using the best of the South-East’s produce. On Saturday, September 7, Head Chef Peter Everett will take people back in time for their annual Harvest Lunch, with three retro-themed courses and four wines for €70pp. Bookings can be made through everettsrestaurant@gmail.com.
A festival highlight, and sure to sell out, the Harvest Festival Homecoming Dinner and Lunch with Chef Keith Boyle, in City Hall, will also feature local producers WD O'Connell Whiskey, Waterford Distillery, and Viking Irish Drinks.
The festival will also feature food demonstrations from some of the most exciting and enticing food producers.
Taking place across the festival weekend in John Roberts Square learn how some of the best create their signature dishes. Join Smokin’ Soul on Friday, September 6, for their cookery demo as they build, cook and teach people the best way to smoke and BBQ food. Building on methods developed in the Paleolithic era Smokin’ Soul will explain how different chemical reactions, marinades and curing preserves create some of your favourite dishes.
This year will also see the return of the Festival Food Market, which will feature an incredible 60 stalls, featuring the best local artisanal food.
The Revolution Craft Beer and Whiskey Bar will present an Irish Whiskey Tasting Masterclass in The Applemarket between 4pm and 5.30pm. This year also sees the return of fan favourite the EWBA and Honeys of the World, featuring a selection of honeys from all over the globe available for tasting.
Ballybeg Greens Festival Garden is a draw for foodies and families alike and is a unique feature of Harvest Festival. Each year they plant a Bloom-style garden to be enjoyed in the weeks leading up to the festival, where visitors can come enjoy, learn and buy fresh herbs from the garden on site.
On a practical note Waterford City & County Council have indicated the following road closures to accommodate the festival. From 6am on Friday, September 6, to 10pm on Sunday, September 8: L5532 Arundel Square; L5531 Peter Street; L15237 Michael Street North (from its junction with Patrick's St. to Lady Lane); L91092 Broad Street; L91091 Barronstrand Street; L90352 George's Street; L90353 Blackfriar's Lane; L90354 Arundel Lane; L90355 Little Patrick Street; L55301 Bakehouse Lane; L1525 Patrick Street; From 7pm on Friday, September 6 to 10pm on Sunday, September 8: L1502 O'Connell Street (from its Junction with Thomas Street); L5501 Gladstone Street; L15023 Sargent's Lane (from its junction with Jenkins Lane Car Park); From 6am on Saturday, September 7 to 10pm on Sunday, September 8: L1528 John's Street (Applemarket).
For full details on all the events taking place and also for traffic updates look up waterfordcouncil.ie along with www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie and waterford-news.ie
