Launch of Samhain

Samhain Festival to serve up culinary and cultural delights this Halloween

Samhain - a brand new festival celebrating 5,000 years of Irish Food & Culture was officially launched in the historic setting of The Courthouse, Kells this week.

This festival taking place in and around Kells County Meath from 1st-3rd November has a heavy weight line-up of events featuring Michelin starred chefs, global award-winning cook book authors, thought leaders in sustainability, zero waste and food as medicine, family self-sufficiency and kids’ workshops. Well known food personalities participating in the festival include Darina Allen, JP McMahon, John and Sally McKenna, Michael Kelly, Niall Sabongi and the Gastro Gays to name just a few.

Guests heard from the Chair of Galway 2020- Arthur Lappin and founder of Our Table- Ellie Kisyombe who both gave fantastic speeches highlighting the hugely significant role food plays in our everyday lives, how it brings people together, helped shape our landscapes, and acted as inspiration for artists.

The theme of Food & Culture will be discussed and debated over the weekend in events such as:

· 10 Foods from 5,000 years, with JP McMahon
· The Sea: Chef Brian McDermott
· The evolution and consequences of our food choices on people, planet and pocket
· ‘The Irish Paradox – The Island that doesn’t Eat Fish
· Chef’s Manifesto – There is no Planet B
· Grow Cook Eat, with Michael Kelly
· Our Table with Ellie Kisyombe
· Post Brexit Agri Food Landscape
· Forgotten Skills with Darina Allen & the Smokin’ Butcher Hugh Maguire
· ‘Food as Medicine’ with Domini Kemp
· The Zero Waste Kitchen with Maurice McGeehan

These events are part of a packed schedule of many more events that will bring people together to celebrate Irish food and culture.

Further information in next week's paper plus at Facebook: @boynevalleyflavours
Twitter: @boynevalleyflav   Instagram: @boynevalleyflavours