May Fair 2016 promises to tickle people's taste buds

Food lovers will enjoy this year's May Fair festival in Ballyclare as local chefs and businesses will cook up a storm at a series of events in the town.
Cllr Thomas Hogg, samples some treats that will be on offer during this years May Fair with Mark Davis and Andrew Davis (Pots of Pleasure) and Daniel McKee (Browns Coffee Company). INNT 20-812CONCllr Thomas Hogg, samples some treats that will be on offer during this years May Fair with Mark Davis and Andrew Davis (Pots of Pleasure) and Daniel McKee (Browns Coffee Company). INNT 20-812CON
Cllr Thomas Hogg, samples some treats that will be on offer during this years May Fair with Mark Davis and Andrew Davis (Pots of Pleasure) and Daniel McKee (Browns Coffee Company). INNT 20-812CON

‘Food Glorious Food’ is the theme for this year’s fair which runs from Tuesday, May 24 until Monday, May 30.

There will be a number of food stalls and cooking demonstrations as well as fun activities for all the family and musical entertainment.

Celebrity chef, Paula McIntyre, will be creating delicious Ulster Scots dishes and local chef Daniel Harvey, from Daniel’s @ Tweedies, will be showcasing a number of recipes, which are packed with local produce, for you to try at home.

Ballyclare-based businesses Pots of Pleasure, Browns Coffee, Ashers and Howlers American Diner, are hosting a local food bazaar on Tuesday, May 24. This will be held in the food and drink marquee located at Ballyclare Town Hall.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg, commented: “The treats on offer will include speciality breads, tray bakes, aromatic coffees, freshly baked scones and a tasty barbecue. Make sure you visit the bazaar between 11am and 5pm to stock up on these delicious goodies.”

The annual May Fair Queen competition will take place tomorrow (Friday, May 20). This year the event will be held in the Five Corners Bar. The competition will commence at 8pm and there is no admission charge. There will be musical entertainment at the event, with Tania Laird performing at the Rashee Road venue.

On Tuesday, May 24, the public will have the chance to trace their family heritage with the Ulster Historical Foundation. This free event runs from noon until 5pm in the Town Hall.

There is also a cupcake decorating class for children on the Tuesday afternoon. This event runs from 4pm until 5.30pm and will take place in the Town Hall.

A fire safety demonstration will take place at the Six Mile Water Park Council Yard from 7.30pm until 8.30pm on the Tuesday evening. This event is free to attend.

Pet owners can come down to the Town Hall car park on Wednesday, May 25 for the Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary pet show. There is a charge of £1 per class.

Other highlights throughout the week will include James Huish and band, amusements, tea dance, horse fair and a table quiz. There will also be a spectacular fireworks display at 10.15pm on Saturday, May 28 in Ballyclare Town Centre.

Full details of all activities and events are included in the programme, which is available at Ballyclare Town Hall, www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk and at www.yourballyclare.com and www.yourballyclare.com.

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