Festival curator Olivia Duff toasts Kevin Sheridan, as the Samhain Festival of Food and Culture combines with Sheridan’s Irish Food Fair for 2024. 2)  Ella Ryan, The Centre of Food Culture, Boyne Valley, Kevin Sheridan, Olivia Duff, Emma Gill, Boyne Valley Food Business Development Officer, Rebecca Meade, Samhain Festival Coordinator

Samhain Festival of Food and Culture kicks off tomorrow!

Ireland’s top names in food, farming, and culture will converge in Kells this weekend for the highly anticipated Samhain Festival of Food and Culture, with Sheridan’s Irish Food Fair.

With an impressive line-up that includes radio and TV presenter who has turned to regenerative farming George Lamb, culinary icon Darina Allen, food critics John and Sally McKenna, and Guinness Archive and Heritage Manager Eibhlin Colgan, the festival promises an unmatched celebration of Irish food heritage.

Running from November 7th to 10th, this four-day festival features tastings, performances, immersive workshops, and conversations designed to explore and celebrate Ireland’s evolving relationship with food.

With 40 local volunteers, Kells Local Heroes and the support of businesses and community groups, the heritage town is ready to welcome the brightest names in Irish food for a truly memorable celebration of local, seasonal fare. Amongst the programme includes two charity events. Led by acclaimed chef and High Profile UNHCR ambassador Jess Murphy, alongside anthropologist Dr. Yifan Wang, The Spoken Canteen, (Sunday 10th November, 4pm EUR50) will bring communities together through the timeless act of sharing food and stories. Tickets are EUR50 plus include a five-course tasting menu, with all proceeds going to the UNCHR.

Proceeds from the Inspire Choral Group’s Sunday Songs event (Sunday November 10th, 11am, EUR10) will go to Emma Flanagan, Emma’s Journey Home an initiative to support the 17-year-old from Cortown, Kells, who sustained life-changing injuries in an accident.

There’s plenty for families to enjoy including a funfair, face painting, and cookery demos by top chefs like JP McMahon, Darina Allen, and Graham Herterich. Kids can participate in Michelle Darmody’s “Seed to Supper” workshop, exploring the journey of food, or join Deirdre Doyle’s hands-on cooking classes to learn about healthy choices. Graham Herterich also offers a cupcake decorating session (€15, prebooking required). For a unique experience, Hogan’s Turkey Walk and Talk at 11 am on Saturday provides a guided tour of the scenic turkey pastures at Charlesfort House.