Agricultural show teams up with food and music events for ultimate day out

The country’s longest-running agricultural show will host a major food and music festival as part of the event next month.

Thu, 15 May, 2014 - 01:00

Eoin English

The organisers of the Cork Summer Show confirmed yesterday they plan to wrap the Cork Food Fest and the Cork Music Fest into their own event to create Experience Fest — three shows in one — which is set to become one of the largest festivals of its kind this summer.

They have hired celebrity wedding planner, Franc, to oversee the creative side of the project.

Franc, aka Peter Kelly, said: “I am delighted to be working with Experience Fest, that brings the Cork Summer Show up to a new level, with many exciting features over the 100-acre site as food and music are celebrated as well as many traditional crafts and practices,” he said.

Hosted by the Munster Agricultural Society, Experience Fest is a significant evolution of the Cork Summer Show which began in 1826 and is one of Ireland’s oldest agri events.

While the popular traditional programme for the Irish Examiner supported-Cork Summer Show will remain, visitors will also be treated to a huge food village, and to performances by some of the best Irish music acts across three days in June.

Along with sheep shearing, woodcutting, show-jumping and vintage tractor displays, show goers will be able to kick back with a craft beer, watch a thatcher in action, browse the food market while listening to live music on the main stage.

The Cork Music Fest line-up includes Paddy Casey, Jack L, Ham Sandwich, Francis Black, Mary Coughlan, The 4 of Us, the Fureys and Something Happens.

Cork Food Fest will celebrate the best of Irish and artisan food with over 100 producers showcasing their gourmet produce.

Celebrity chefs will share insider knowledge and give valuable cooking tips, while local restaurants will serve delicious tasting menus based on the best of Irish produce.

The Cork Summer Show will feature over 1,000 animals and there will be showing classes for horses, sheep, goats, poultry and cattle together with a display of rare breeds, pony club games, carriage driving and an international farrier competition.

Organisers said Experience Fest, on of the one vast sites at Curraheen, will have free parking and will provide a range of great family entertainment.

Adult daily tickets will cost €15, with students and pensioners paying €13. Children under 12, accompanied by an adult, go free.

www.corksummershow.com

www.corkfoodfest.eu

What’s on

Friday, June 13

Cork Summer Show: 1pm-8pm

Night Market: 3-9pm

Hermitage Green: 2pm - 3.30pm

The 4 of us: 4pm - 5.30pm

Ham Sandwich: 6pm - 7.30pm

Paddy Casey: 8pm - 9pm

Saturday, June 14