Sweet music, tasty treats, and healthy alternatives as Rockin’ Food Festival comes to Enniscorthy

Festival will take place during May Bank Holiday weekend

Food to suit every taste will be on offer.

The town will be alive with colour throughout the weekend.

The Big Wheel returns this year.

Large crowds are expected for the event.

thumbnail: Food to suit every taste will be on offer.
thumbnail: The town will be alive with colour throughout the weekend.
thumbnail: The Big Wheel returns this year.
thumbnail: Large crowds are expected for the event.
Simon Bourke
© Enniscorthy Guardian

The Rockin’ Food Festival launches this Friday, May 3 on the Promenade as the ever-popular event moves to a new date to accommodate the Fleadh Cheoil. Opening with a fireworks display and music by Loose Arrangements, the festival officially launches at 8.30 p.m. with the funfair and the Big Wheel on offer for families.

The festivities continue on Saturday from 12 p.m. in The Food Marquee with renowned chefs showcasing their culinary expertise, sharing insider tips and tricks to inspire home cooks and foodies alike. This starts with The Baking Goddess, Lorraine from Daisy Cottage Farm, presenting a scone baking session for the little ones. At 12.30 p.m. learn how chocolate can be healthy for you with Maxim Costic of Earth Food.

From 12.45 - 1 p.m. Joe O’Connor present the story of Clovelly Coffee, before one of Wexford’s best chefs, Paul Hynes, serves up some seafood favourites with an Italian twist from The Cheeky Cod and La Cote Restaurant.

At 2 p.m. Kevin Dundon takes to the stage with some of his favourite seasonal dishes, while at 3.15 p.m. Felix Oster of Mor Taste discusses the merits of his healthier, alternative jam.

On Sunday at 12 p.m. craft butcher Alan Kennedy will educate audiences on how to select the right cut of meat, how to cook it, and getting the best from your local butcher. Then, from 1-2 p.m., one of the festival’s most popular events, the Junior Bake Off takes place (enter online at www.rockinfoodfestival.ie).

From 2 p.m. Shane Smith, of RTÉ's The Today Show, takes to the stage using the best of local ingredients for sweeter tastes, and at 3 p.m. John Whelan of The Devil’s Menu spices up some local strawberries from Wheelock's with red wine and Meadowfield Farm goat’s cheese.

Lastly, at 4 p.m. comes ‘Wexford FC Bake Off Food and Football Fusion, an event featuring some special surprise guests.

Over the course of the weekend a food and craft market will be in operation with a variety of tastes and flavours from over 70 artisan food and craft vendors. There will be live outdoor music throughout the weekend in The Market Square with the best of Irish and international rock ‘n’ roll bands. For families there will be a number of kids’ events, including puppet shows, Paw Patrol cookie hunt, disco with the minions and trolls, interactive arts and crafts workshops, and rock ‘n’ roll dance classes in The Market Square.

Wexford FC will also be on hand to meet and greet the younger soccer fans with their therapy dog ‘Lucky’ and a ‘Top Bin’ competition for aspiring soccer stars.

Booking Available: Attendees can reserve spots for kids' events and activities in advance by visiting www.rockinfoodfestival.ie