Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre launches in line with BBC’s Great British Menu
RICHHILL Apple Harvest Fayre is back for a second year with a celebration of County Armagh’s home grown produce combined with a celebration of the centenary of one of the most powerful organizations in the UK – the Women’s Institute.
The fayre, which takes place on Halloween Day this year, will build on the success of the popular village fayre which empowers people to connect with the land through artisan food and drink producers.
To make it extra special, the 2015 fayre is launching in line with the screening of the Great British Menu which will feature Northern Ireland including last year’s fayre where Richhill’s WI showcase the powerful role our local country women play in society.
Over 2,000 people gathered in the village square last year to sample local beef, breads, ciders, juices, potatoes, apples and much more as well as enjoy lots of family entertainment.
Barry Gracey, chairman of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre committee, said with three major themes this year – Food and Drink, Halloween and the Centenary of the WI, this year’s display is one not to be missed.
He said: “The interest in the event across Northern Ireland and further afield is phenomenal. The fayre celebrates the end of the harvest and the vital role our food and drink producers play.
“It brings people together including families, foodies, chefs, storytellers, musicians, bloggers, travel writers, our WI representatives and schools who all want to celebrate the natural beauty of our orchard county and Richhill’s built heritage.
“The fayre is an authentic celebration of Armagh’s distinctive local food and drink and celebrates the Armagh Bramley which achieved PGI status in 2012 – something we are very proud of here in Richhill.
“Families will be able to come and spend the day sampling local food and drink, enjoy children’s activities, listen to buskers, watch chef demonstrations, take part in organized children’s activities and meet animals which have featured in the Game of Thrones.”
Nuala Turtle, of the Richhill WI, said: “On September 16, 1915, a group of women got together which started one of the most powerful organizations in the UK. One hundred years later, WI women continue to bring women of all walks of life together to learn, share, contribute, campaign, and, most of all, have fun.
“Here in Richhill we are proud of our contribution to our community and the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre allows us to showcase that contribution. The current Great British Menu series is a fantastic celebration of the WI and we are honoured that last year’s President, Sybil McNally, features on the popular TV series.”
The Great British Menu featuring last year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will be screened the week commencing August 31, 2015 on BBC Two and will be repeated on Saturdays at 12pm and Sundays at 11:15am.
Admission to this year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is free and dedicated parking areas will be clearly signposted.

As this is now the third year of the festival it is growing rapidly and received some positive media coverage compared to year one as the site is more prominent and attractive from its move last year. This year they are incorporating the festival into the National trust opening day which allows visitors to go to the Giant’s Causeway and visitor centre for free therefore they expect a footfall of up to 10,000 people. This is an opportunity NOT to be missed and we would love to have your presence especially because we want to promote the best NI product the potato.

This Year’s NI Potato Festival will be held on the 3rd October at The Causeway. We see this as a fantastic opportunity to display Northern Ireland’s finest potato produce as  well as bringing people from around NI to experience the fantastic food we have to offer. There will be a range of potato products to showcase the diversity of potatoes and to emphasis the nutritional value they have to offer. This is a fun day out for all the family with events for children as well as adults. This gives individuals the opportunity to see how the potato is developed through the stages from the planting to the ploughing to the final potato product whether it be a boiled potato or a chip!

For more information on the NI Potato Festival please feel free to contact Food NI by phone or email.