Macroom Food Festival 2024
Macroom Food Festival 2024 with its theme of “Sustainability and Food Production” brought people together to indulge in a variety of events and to experience and learn how we can do better when it comes to food choices and how we can enjoy rich flavours produced locally.
With perfect weather the stage was set for this year’s festival and it delivered a vibrant and lively events showcasing the diversity and creativity of food, with a very varied programme that ensured there was something for everyone.
The Good Vibes Forum was a valuable source of information for those who are interested in designing their very own vegetable garden, those that want to eat healthy and eat with the seasons. At this excellent forum speakers covered topics from eating for a healthy gut to introducing wellness into to your daily routine. If you missed this event then check our website for the presenters’ details and find out more about their sustainable and healthy topics. Its very encouraging to hear that there is some great follow up actions being taken on locally to continue the Good Vibes message.
SECAD’s Multiculturism Through Food hosted 15 different nationalities all cooking their tradition dish. A wonderful universal experience and an opportunity to taste the world one dish at a time. There was plenty on offer to connect with others who share the love of food, and highlight everyone’s unique culinary tradition and heritage.
For those who enjoy their fine wines and food tastings then Pop Crowley’s delivered, with the towns new fancy goods and grocery store rocking on Saturday night.
The kids cooking classes with The Cool Food School were all a sellout, and those lucky kids who got tickets had a brilliant time learning how to enhancing basic foods to make them interesting and tasty. In a fun and interactive environment with all pupils making their own version of the apple donut recipe!
In addition to food the festival offered a range of entertainment and activities. The official opening of the newly built Briery Gap Theatre coincided with the Macroom Food Festival and on Saturday morning the Multicultural International Parade while on route up the Main Street led by the Ballingeary Pipe Band performed outside the Briery Gap to the delight of the invited dignitaries. The Macroom Indian Community in their spectacular traditional costumes also entertained the crowd with their national dance routine.
One of the main events of the festival was the return of The Lee Valley Entertainers to the Briery Gap stage after 30 years to bring back their winning performance from the 1994 Gay Byrne Live Radio Show. What a night of nostalgia and pride in the production, with almost all of the original cast back on stage and again directed by Ann Dunne. The beautiful new theatre, the familiar faces on stage, the unbelievable talent and energy on show, the superb production and the commitment by everyone to get to this production and project over the line was truly amazing. We look forward to many more nights like this in the near future.
The very successful Danone Schools Cook Off in the marquee again provided the highest of standard of food produced by all schools that reached the finals. Schull Community School were judged to be the winner, their crayfish being from that morning’s catch, their presentation was so appetizing, and their dish tasted absolutely delicious so they were deserving winners.
One of the main attractions of the Sunday’s annual food festival is the wide array of food options provided by the street traders with food stalls to gourmet offerings. The atmosphere in the square area was filled with the aroma of spices, the sizzle of grills, chocolate fountains, the laughter of people enjoying the day. The street entertainers with their magic and juggling performances, kept the kids busy. The performance of the Defence Forces Military Band on stage was fantastic with the large crowd in attendance enjoying every note, and when the band’s soloists performed, they were simply outstanding with every patron hanging on every word.
The Macroom Food Festival attracts many visitors from near and far, boosting business revenue and provides a platform for local producers, and artisans to showcase their products and gain exposure.
It would not be possible to run the comprehensive programme of events without our sponsors and supporter. Macroom Food Festival would like to sincerely thank Lee Valley Enterprise Board, Macroom Municipal District of Cork Co Co. Danone Nutricia, SECAD, Hurley & White Builders, Vision Contracting Limited. Manoza Developments, Massey Developments Ltd., Castle Hotel, Follain, Macroom Credit Union, Michael Twomey Butchers, Cork Marts, Macroom E Business Centre, Deasy Pharmacy, The Auld Triangle, Pickled, M & J Kelleher Oil, T M Cronins, Macroom Haulage, Evelyn Mc Sweeney Peggy O’Connell & Marion Coughlan, Sharon & Caroline O’Connell & John Desmond, Dave O’Leary Connections, Matt Murphy Pharmacy, Killian Lynch Auctioneers, Macroom GAA, Garda Siochana, Martin Coughlan and team of Macroom Tidy Towns Volunteers.