Lamb & Local Returns with Grass-Fed Lamb, Live Cooking and Outstanding Local Food
Shanaghan Hill Farm will host a farm-to-fork celebration of lamb, artisan produce, cookery and local flavour on Saturday 22nd August
Food lovers are invited to come hungry to Shanaghan Hill Farm, Katesbridge, when the Lamb & Local Food Fayre returns on Saturday, 22 August 2026, from 11am to 4pm.
The free event will place Shanaghan Hill Farm’s 100% grass-fed lamb at the centre of a day of freshly prepared food, tastings, live cookery demonstrations and independent Northern Ireland producers. More than 550 people attended the inaugural fayre in 2025, which brought local producers, chefs and visitors together on the working County Down farm.
Lamb from the farm to the plate
Every Shanaghan Hill Farm lamb is born and reared on the farm using a 100% pasture-based system, with an emphasis on animal welfare, provenance and traceability. Visitors will be able to taste the lamb, watch it being prepared during live cookery demonstrations, learn about different cuts and cooking methods, and purchase lamb boxes directly from the farm.
Simply Irresistible Outdoor Catering will serve freshly prepared hot food throughout the day, including dishes made with Shanaghan Hill Farm lamb, while Lough Brew will provide locally brewed coffee.
Esther Skelly-Smith, Director of Shanaghan Hill Farm C.I.C., said:
“We want Lamb & Local to be a genuine foodie destination—a place where people can enjoy excellent food, discover new flavours and meet the farmers and producers behind it. Our lamb is at the heart of the event. Visitors can enjoy it as freshly prepared hot food, watch it being cooked, speak to us about how it is produced and purchase lamb to take home. This is a complete farm-to-fork experience built around flavour, provenance and the people responsible for producing our food.”
A market of local flavour
The fayre will bring together a carefully selected collection of independent food and drink businesses.
Visitors can discover milk from Ballydown Milk, eggs from Glenview Eggs, fresh produce from Tullyveery Market Garden, apple products from Macha’s Orchard and seaweed products from Crawford’s Rock Seaweed Co. The food market will also feature Amberline Preserves, Burren Balsamics, Marshalls Beekeeping, Hemp & Honey Farm, Peggy’s Family Farm, Jackson Roze and Betty’s Ice Cream.
Together with hot food from Simply Irresistible, coffee from Lough Brew and Shanaghan Hill Farm lamb, the line-up will give visitors opportunities to eat, taste, shop and speak directly with the people behind the products.
Esther added:
“This is not simply a collection of stalls. We want visitors to engage with the food—to taste it, ask questions and hear the stories behind the businesses.”
Cooking, conversation and culture
Live cookery demonstrations will use Shanaghan Hill Farm lamb and ingredients from participating producers, offering practical ideas for preparing lamb and making the most of high-quality local produce.
A panel discussion will explore why local food matters, from flavour and provenance to farming, food security and the rural economy. Participants will include the President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, John McLenaghan, Manager of the Nature Friendly Farming Network Cormac Dolan, farmer Timothy Smith and chaired by farmer and vet Esther Skelly-Smith.
The wider programme will include a contribution from rural GP and part-time farmer Dr Rebecca Orr, who will speak about health and wellbeing within farming and rural communities. County Down writer Maggie Doyle will read prose inspired by farming, nature and the Dromara Hills, while Maeve Farrell will provide live singing and music throughout the event.
Supporting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is the nominated charity for Lamb & Local 2026.
Representatives will attend the fayre to raise awareness of the charity’s work and give visitors an opportunity to donate.
Esther said:
“Air Ambulance Northern Ireland provides a vital service across rural communities. We are proud to support the charity and hope visitors will take time to meet its representatives and donate generously.”
A showcase for local food
Lamb & Local is organised by Shanaghan Hill Farm C.I.C. and supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council through its Food Heartland initiative.
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said:
“Lamb & Local is an excellent showcase for the quality and variety of food produced by farms and independent businesses across our borough and beyond. Visitors can taste local products, enjoy freshly prepared dishes, watch cookery demonstrations and meet the people whose skill and knowledge are behind them. Events such as this strengthen our local food culture while supporting farming families, producers and the wider rural economy.”
Event details
Lamb & Local Food Fayre
Saturday, 22 August 2026
11am–4pm
Shanaghan Hill Farm, 50A Katesbridge Road, Katesbridge, County Down, BT32 5NQ
Free entry and free on-site parking.
