Packed Line-Up Of Events For Tralee Food Festival On May Bank Holiday Weekend

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Launching the Tralee Food Festival were, in front; Tadhg Fleming and Paul Ruane. At back; Jean Foley, Noel Keane, Orlagh Winters, David Scott and Pat Carmody. Photo by Dermot Crean

TRALEE Food Festival has moved from September to the May Bank Holiday Weekend with a bigger programme of tasty events planned for every palette.

The new-look Tralee Food Festival, organised by Tralee Chamber Alliance and supported by Kerry County Council, has an extended Taste Trail, Live Demos, a Food and Family Day and much more from Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6.

This year’s Tralee Food Festival will get underway at 12pm on Friday 3rd May with ‘The Business of Food’, as part of the Taste Kerry Food Series in association with Bank of Ireland Workbench.

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The newly-renovated covered courtyard at Benners Hotel will host (for one night only) ‘The Enclosure’, the official private Festival Opening Party with BBQ, live band, DJ and Gin tastings from 6.30pm on Friday 3rd May. Tickets only €20.

The Market on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May, the centrepiece of Tralee Food Festival, will showcase the best producers and artisans in the region with over 20 stalls complemented by music and entertainment throughout both days.

Tadhg Fleming is fired up for the Tralee Food Festival, pictured here with Noel Keane of Croí Restaurant. Photo by Dermot Crean

Famous for chasing bats, triangle dancing and appearing on US chat shows, Kerry’s YouTube sensations, Tadhg and Derry Fleming will battle against each other in a father versus son LIVE Cook-Off hosted by Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella on Sunday 5th May.

David Scott, Town Centre Coordinator with Tralee Chamber Alliance, said: “Tralee Food Festival has moved from September to May to embrace the demand for a family fun event in Kerry’s Capital during the May Bank Holiday Weekend. The 5th annual Tralee Food Festival will promote and showcase local producers and food establishments and will provide something for everyone who loves food and fun!  With an extensive Taste Trail, exclusive Restaurant Menus, Cooking Demos, a bustling Food Market, an Entertainment Marquee, Live Music, and Food & Family Day. Take it all in and enjoy the Tralee Food Festival 2019.”

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The Taste Trail has been extended over two days with a specially created taster dish in any of the stops along the route for only €3 per serving.

Books containing 10 tokens are available from John Doughs, Dominick Street and Ugly Mug, Edward Street for only €22 with a combined saving of €8 if you were to pay with cash. Taste Trail Tokens are available to use in exchange for cash at participating trail stops.

Such was the success of last year’s inaugural Food & Family Day, this year’s offering will be huge with a live street performance in The Square from Siamsa Tíre Theatre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, expert Cooking Demos from top Chefs, face painting, doughnut decorating and surprise special guest ‘characters’.  The LIVE Cook-Off will also be on Sunday, in the Fesival Marquee which will be located just off The Square on Dominick Street this year.

Street Food on The Mall is a new event for 2019 offering festival-goers an opportunity savour the amazing aromas and flavours from the finest street food vendors with Wood Fired Pizza, Burgers & Hot Dogs, Home Made Crisps, Filled Crépes, and Poutines (loaded chips).

Live On The Square in conjunction with Lisa Curran will feature a full programme of music from midday to 10pm on Saturday night so food-lovers can also soak up the atmosphere and entertainment from a range of musicians, singers, trad bands and even aerobics class for kids.

Take 3 was a great success last year and it’s back to offer diners an opportunity to experience 3 Tralee restaurants in one evening, with a set course in each. But this year, where you will eat is a mystery – you will be led to each restaurant after each course. Pre-Booking is essential.

The President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Aidan Kelly, said: “Tralee is very fortunate to be able to celebrate the amazing food offerings in the region. Our Chefs and restaurants make the most of our local produce and are earning a strong reputation for their creativity and skill. Tralee Food Festival provides a major opportunity to present all that is good about local cuisine to a large and wide-ranging audience over one weekend.”

Tralee Food Festival is produced and developed by Tralee Chamber Alliance with the kind support of Kerry County Council Community Support Fund, Garvey’s Supervalu Tralee, Bank of Ireland, Taste Kerry, Rural Food Skillnet, FloGas, The Big Hello and Street Performers of Tralee (SPOT).

The full programme of events can be picked up from various outlets throughout Tralee and full details of the 2019 Tralee Food Festival from 3rd to 6th May can be seen or downloaded from the Tralee Food Festival Facebook Page or www.Tralee.ie.

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