John and Agnes Whittle - Flanagans Fish.
The Harvest Festival by general consensus proved to be a success this year again.
The food workshops at Arundel Square were really well attended, with lots attending the talks in the Grow Tent on both Saturday and Sunday. The Grow Kitchen in Blackfriars saw many food demonstrations with Darina Allen performing on Saturday and Tom Doorley on Sunday. Michael Kelly of GIY spoke on Sunday in the Grow Tent.
Claire McCabe was delighted with the success and good attendance. Saturday’s good weather was a bonus and the location worked well.
A visitor reckoned it was more interesting this year to wander around the city and find different events rather than have everything on the quays as was done a few years back. It made people discover the city more.
Around Christ Church there were some fine local stands serving excellent food from Knockdrinna Cheese in Stoneyford to Demot Walsh’s blaas with reuben Waterford made spiced burgers at the Walsh’s Bakehouse. The Hartery Kitchen from Butlerstown was also doing well and it was nice to see many local producers in this area.
International food from Brazil, Africa and the Philippines was in the area outside the Palace Museum near the Church along with Fado and Waterford Living History groups doing nice displays.
De Barra Crafts from the Johnstown Industrial Estate were displaying wood turning and they do one day courses down there.
Caca Milis had a stand on the Mall, Sean Hutchinson was happy with the numbers. He was there along with many stands from around Ireland. The smoked meats from New Ross were especially good, one to note for the future.
Fish was also for sale from Wexford and Dunmore. Some Africans were selling Kenyan stew, another stand sold garlic graters.
Over on Arundel Square sheep were being sheared and chickens were displayed in cages for young kids to see. Trevor Cunningham was selling his low fat blaa burgers nearby.
The Saturday family day in the park saw lots of kids attend there using bouncy castles, watch food making workshops and how to make pizzas with music provided by the Dublin based Stompton Brass band, having performed weekend before at the Electric Picnic.
Viking Rocks saw bands play outside the Reg and Munster on Baileys New St. with people partaking in burgers and craft beer from Metal Man Brewery in Waterford.
Overall it was a very good event, although motorists had to avoid the Mall going through the city. Parking was hard to find on Saturday, especially around the park area, indicating the good crowds in the city, which is a welcome trend. Maybe cycle next time!