Press Release

City prepares for Guildhall Country Food Fair at Halloween

Wednesday, 20 October 2004

The feedback from the public who attended the Country Food Fair in Guildhall Square during August was extremely positive and arrangements are now in place for two similar events later this year. The first Guildhall Country Food Fair is due to take place as part of the city’s Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival celebrations on Saturday 30 October. The event will take place at Guildhall Square from 10 am – 3 pm, and will feature 26 stalls. A similar fair is being organised to take place in the weeks prior to Christmas on Saturday December 18.

The aim of the Fair is to provide an opportunity for local organic and speciality food producers to promote the sale and raise awareness of quality local produce.

There will be a mouth-watering array of fresh produce stalls ranging from organic meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and traditional breads to exotic oysters, mussels, olives, venison and cheese. It is definitely a must for anyone who appreciates good food.

The Mayor, Councillor Gearoid O’hEara said he supported efforts to promote local produce and was looking forward to the two food markets.

“The August event was a tremendous success. Everyone who came along on the day were very impressed with the fantastic array of fresh produce stalls that were selling organic produce and traditional and exotic foods. I feel the food fair will be an important part of the Council’s Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival and believe it will be a tremendous success,” he added.

Jim McColgan, chairman of RAPID said: “RAPID has a long history of working closely with Derry City Council to improve urban and rural links. The Organic and Speciality Food market held in Guildhall Square in August was excellent and a highly successful showcase for rural producers. We are delighted to build on the success of the first market and look forward to the two markets at Halloween and Christmas.”

Gareth Evans, DARD, said: “Through LEADER+ Programme, DARD is pleased to be working in partnership with RAPID and Derry City Council to promote the sale and promotion of quality local produce and thereby strengthen urban and rural links.”

Hosted by the Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID), Derry City Council, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and supported by the North West Organic Co-operative, the event is funded through the Leader programme.

Ends

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