Van Morrison to perform at Castle Ward bread event

Van Morrison to perform at Castle Ward bread event

6 February 2013

VAN Morrison is making a rare appearance in Down for a special open-air concert at Castle Ward.

The anticipated one-off performance from one of Northern Ireland’s most famous exports is part of the International Bread Festival celebrations on Sunday, May 26.

Boasting a career that has spanned five decades, this Belfast native grew up listening to American music with his parents.

Along with his own albums, including his latest ‘Born to Sing:No Plan B’, there are more than 200 of his compositions featured in major motion pictures.

In 2003 he was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by the late Ray Charles.

The National Trust and Down Council will start the three day festival with an Ultimate bake off at Castle Ward on Saturday, May 25.

The plan is for the festival to bring together bakers and bakeries to celebrate the island’s unique bread culture, before Van Morrison’s Sunday evening open air concert closes the weekend of festivities.

Castle Ward Property Manager, Barbara Muhly said they were “thrilled” to welcome Van Morrison back to County Down.

“After the terrific reception of last year’s inaugural event we knew we had to come up with something amazing and special to make this a unique experience, and so The Bread Festival is back with a fantastic line up of opportunities to celebrate our culture of musical and culinary inspiration,” she said. “Let music be the food of life, for we will have it here for sure.

“Not only will we treat you to the brilliance of Van, but you will also have an opportunity to test the best of bread from across our province.

“A strong international festival theme with breads and foods from Ireland and the UK, America, Asia and Europe will ensure visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy these outstanding days filled with taster sessions, demonstrations, talks and brilliant music, the best that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

Down Council’s Event Development Officer, Ann Moreland, said the 2013 International Bread Festival offered a rare opportunity to welcome back one of Ireland’s greatest musical talents.

“This event also gives Down District Council the opportunity to showcase the magnificent Strangford Lough destination and our partnership with Castle Ward,” she said.

Sunday Concert general admission tickets are available through Ticketmaster on 0844 277 4455, while VIP tickets and offers can be accessed by contacting Castle Ward on 028 4488 1204.