Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/05/2014
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location
Castle Ward
Castle Ward
Downpatrick

BT30 7LS

United Kingdom

Exciting line up for International Bread Festival at Castle Ward

The global bread tour at Castle Ward returns on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May as the International Bread Festival prepares to tantalise your taste buds with breads and foods from around the world.

The magnificent National Trust place will welcome for the first time, celebrity chefs Angela Harnett and Atul Kochhar. Angela is best known for being Gordon Ramsey’s protégé; she is one of the very few female chefs to have achieved a Michelin star. Atul was the first Indian Chef to gain a Michelin Star. His unique fusion of Indian cuisine has made him one of the most influential chefs currently working. Angela and Atul will be joined by the French master baker, Richard Bertinet, to help celebrate our unique bread culture. All three celebrities are regulars on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.

The festival, now in its third year, brings together bakers and bakeries from near and far, great music and plenty of fun and games for all the family.

As preparations get underway for the big event, Jacqui Baird, Visitor Services Manager for Castle Ward, said:

“The Bread Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our amazing bread culture in Northern Ireland. It will showcase the best of bread from across the country such as barmbrack, soda breads and our famous potato breads. There will also be a strong international theme with breads and foods from India, Europe, America and UK as well as some traditional food from Ireland.

“We are very excited this year to offer our visitors a unique chance to see what Castle Ward would have been like 150 years ago, as we bring our farmyard area to life. This area was once the heart of the estate with the Ward family leading the way on being self-sufficient. During the day we will have our very own corn mill in action showing you how the corn was ground, as well as demonstrations from the Ulster American Folk Park and other traditional crafts and food producers.

“It is guaranteed to be a wonderful day for all the family and I would like to thank NITB and Food NI for their generous support of this international event.”

Russell Whitaker, Events Executive NITB commented:

“Northern Ireland Tourist Board is pleased to sponsor the International Bread Festival, an event providing an outstanding visitor experience. This event draws visitors of all ages to the picturesque setting of Castle Ward estate, showcasing all types of breads and bakers. We wish the National Trust every success for the event in 2014.”

Michelle Shirlow, CEO of Food NI added: 

“From a Food NI perspective, the Bread Festival is a showcase for good local food here in Northern Ireland. We are passionate about our breads and are proud to share our love with others. The event at Castle Ward offers our food producers an opportunity to sell directly to customers and to get feedback on their products.”

During the Bread Festival there will be something for everyone to enjoy from live music, children’s activities, demonstrations and talks as well as a chance to see what life is like behind the doors of the mansion house.

The Bread festival runs from 10am – 6pm on Monday 5 May 2014. For further information please check the website www.castlewardbreadfestival.com or call Castle Ward on 028 4488 1204.

Photos: Ruth Robinson, Lisburn, showcases a basket of breads ahead of the International Bread Festival to be held at Castle Ward on Monday 5 May. L to R- Peter McVerry, U105, Jacqui Baird, Castle Ward, Ruth Robinson, Castle Ward, Michelle Shirlow, Food NI and Russell Whittaker, NITB, launch the International Bread Festival at Castle Ward on Monday 5 May.