Bread festival to be NI first as part of Lough Lively event

Bread festival to be NI first as part of Lough Lively event

2 May 2012

A NORTHERN Ireland first will be in the mix at a major new festival planned for Castle Ward in June.

Down Council, in partnership with the National Trust, is planning the inaugural International Bread Festival on Monday, June 4. The event will be the finale of a weekend of festivities in and around Strangford Lough and is an integral part of the Lough Lively programme which runs from Monday, April 30, to Sunday 10 June 2012.

The council’s Event Development Officer, Ann Moreland, developed the festival in partnership with Castle Ward and believes the festival will give everyone the opportunity to travel the world in one day and sample the variety of breads from the local to the exotic.

“Entertainment is planned from 10am to 10pm and our local bread heritage will be interpreted through bread demonstrations, taster sessions, lectures, children’s activities, live music and much more, so if you think that bread is only white or brown, then this festival will certainly change your mind,” said Ann.

As part of International Bread Festival, Linwoods have been promoting the Strangford Lough tourism destination on many of their bread products across Northern Ireland and four lucky winners will win a VIP weekend break to The Cuan, Strangford, and attend the International Bread Festival as special guests.

Down Council Chairman, Dermot Curran, said the council is delighted to be working with the National Trust to showcase the breathtakingly beautiful Strangford Lough and Lecale tourism destination.

“We hope that locals and visitors alike will take advantage of the free admission and the opportunity to visit this 18th century mansion which sits within 820 acres of woodland and parkland on the shores of the Lough,” he said.

Linwoods sales manager, Alistair Gillespie, said, “The International Bread Festival is a brilliant idea. Castle Ward is a stunning setting and Linwoods are delighted to be showcasing our range of delicious bakery products at this exciting new event.”

For a chance to win check out the Linwoods on-pack promotion in your local stores or visit www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk.

Lough Lively comprises of over 100 events and free copies of the festival programme are available from the Festival Office on 028 4461 2233 or check out the full event listings online by visiting www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals