By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
The 10th annual Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival was officially opened tonight in Enniscorthy Castle by James Browne, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, followed by a spectacular Fireworks Display on The Promenade.
Minister Browne praised the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival as “a celebration of what Enniscorthy does really well”, he complimented the organisers, thanked the sponsors and wished everybody a successful festival weekend.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne, welcomed everybody to the town for the weekend, thanked the organisers and the sponsors, the food producers and the rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts. “It is one of Ireland’s greatest family festivals and brings €2 million to the local economy every year.”
The attendance included the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Deputy Johnny Mythen TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Pat Kehoe, Jackser Owens, The Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Paul Kehoe, Chairperson, The Wexford Food Producers Network and Billy Byrne, Tourism Officer, Wexford County Council. Jimmy Gahan acted as master of ceremonies.
Thanks were expressed to Manager Mico Hassett and Deputy Manager Eve Furlong and the catering staff at Enniscorthy Castle.
Richie Cotter spoke on behalf of the rock ‘n’ roll group and was entertaining in his presentation. He said that the rock ‘n’ roll and the food combination was unique for a festival. But it worked perfectly in Enniscorthy and he encouraged support for the long list of rockin’ events during the festival.
Kevin Lawlor, secretary a member of the Board of Enniscorthy Credit Union described the festival as “a major highlight of the social year” and the Credit Union, as a sponsor, “are proud to be involved” and he concluded; “let’s rock this town!”
Festival Organiser Amanda Whitmore described the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival as “a celebration of Wexford’s amazing food scene, our incredible local producers and the wonderful atmosphere that Enniscorthy creates each year.” She added; “Whether you are coming for the food, the music or the family fun, there’s something for everyone.”
Festival Chairman Eric Barron said; “We are so proud that the festival has become one of Ireland’s most loved festivals.” He added; “It’s a weekend that showcases the very best of Enniscorthy and Wexford, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to celebrate the 10th year with us.”
The Food Marquee will be in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle with live chef demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday and featuring celebrity chefs including Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, Paul Hynes and Warren Gillen.
The festival is jam-packed with children’s entertainment and family activities including street entertainment, kid’s rock ‘n’ roll dance classes, art and craft workshops and a Lego Making and Pokémon trading at Eason’s Bookshop, Court Street.
The Fun Fair and Big Wheel will be turning on The Promenade during the weekend, also top class live rock ‘n’ roll across the weekend in Market Square with the best of Irish and international bands.
Many activities are free of charge, with some ticketed events available.
WexfordLocal.com 