Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/08/2013 - 08/08/2013
12:00 am

Location
Hillsborough International Oyster Festival
Hillsborough
Lisburn

BT26 5RE

United Kingdom

Hillsborough’s Michelin recognised chefs and local business men, Danny Millar from The Parson’s Nose and Derek Patterson from The Plough today launched the biggest ever Gourmet Food Market as part of the International Oyster Festival’s 21^st Birthday Celebrations.

Now in its 21st year, the renowned Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, which runs from the 3^rd – 8^thSeptember 2013, is already one of the largest celebrations of local food, culture and entertainment in the country.

As the festival comes of age this year, The Gourmet Food market, like the rest of the Festival’s programme, is bigger and better than ever.  The market, taking place on Saturday, 7^th September, in the Festival’s Grand Marquee will be brimming with local seafood and Northern Ireland’s top chefs.

Ronan Sweeney, member of the Festival committee, said, “To mark its 21^st Birthday this year, the Festival is getting bigger and better and. the spotlight is firmly on local seafood and produce, with the World Oyster Eating Championship and Gourmet Food Market taking centre stage!”

“This year, the Marquee will be used to showcase the finest of Northern Ireland products and our culinary expertise represented by some of the finest chefs. Niall McKenna, Danny Millar, Derek Patterson and Andy Rae will be taking part in cookery demonstrations as the festival continues to place the region on the map!”

“Those descending on Hillsborough for the World Oyster Eating Championship will also see reigning champion and ‘Oyster King’, Colin Shirlow from County Down, challenged by not one but two international competitors in a case of ‘local hero versus the professional contenders.”
There is no better place to host the International Oyster Festival than the small village of Hillsborough which is fast becoming a foodie capital of Northern Ireland.  The prestigious 2013 Michelin Guide to Eating Out in Pubs featured no less than three of the area’s establishments including The Parson’s Nose, The Pheasant and The Plough Inn, all of whom firmly support the Festival.

Despite the name, oysters and food are no longer the only selling point.     As well as the Gourmet Food Market and a scrumptious celebration of the shelled delicacies, this year the Festival schedule includes a broad range of events, entertainment and performances set to delight families, foodies, film buffs, fashionistas and fun-lovers alike.   Enduring family favourites make a return to the Festival bill this year including the Castle Fun Day, Multi-Cultural Procession and Wacky Soapbox Race.  Sports fans won’t be disappointed with Super Car Sunday, Oysters Masters Golf and a Charity Cycle Ride.

A bumper entertainment schedule includes a show-stopping ‘Nite at the Flicks’ featuring the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the iridescent ‘Diamonds & Pearls Fashion Show’, a special Festival Concert featuring the inimitable Flash Harry and the ‘Night at the Oscars’ Banquet and Ball.

And, if food, fun and festivities weren’t enough, Festival-goers can take pride in the knowledge they are also supporting The Jill Todd Trust which is working in partnership with Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival 2013 is supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council, South  Eastern Regional College (SERC) and Champagne Pol Roger.     The Festival was commended in the Best Event/Festival Category at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2013.   For a complete guide to the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival 2013, including online ticket purchases, visit: www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.