Waterford Festival of Food, one of Ireland’s largest and longest running community food festivals, today launched their 2024 programme. Inspired by the theme of ‘Connecting People with Food’, more than 80 events are set to take place from 19th to 21st April 2024.

The main hub for the 3-day festival is in the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan Co. Waterford with events also taking place in nearby Lismore, Villierstown, Kilmeaden, Cappoquin and Ardmore making it a unique showcase of the flavours and characters local to this food region.

Highlights from the diverse range of events on this year’s programme include guided taste tours, kitchen table talks with influential people from Ireland’s food scene and beyond, high profile guest chef dining events, sustainability workshops, and pop-up experiences in unusual locations.  There will also be foraging trails, food waste talks, bus tours to farms and mountains, live cooking demos, and the festival’s famous market, which is Ireland’s largest outdoor market, in the town’s Market Square on the final day.

At the launch, Eunice Power, Festival Director said, “Waterford has a long tradition of innovative food production, great cafes, and restaurants. This festival acknowledges the important role that food plays in all our lives, from farmers, producers, chefs, restaurateurs and of course customers. Our festival is unique in that it has deep rooted connections in the community which I believe is the secret of its success.  I hope you join us for another incredible weekend from the 19th to the 21st of April.”

New events to take note of this year include:

All weekend

Behind the Bite Exhibition, Tom Currans store on the Quay  

A visually stunning exhibition of black and white portraits of 40 local food trailblazers, captured by photographer Joleen Cronin was unveiled at the programme launch event. This exhibition titled ‘Behind the Bite: a Portrait Series of our Local Food Heroes’ captures the spirit of the diverse culinary community in Dungarvan and Waterford —from bakers to brewers and everyone in between. Each portrait offers a glimpse into the lives of those who craft, create, and enrich local food and will be showcased at an Exhibition over the festival weekend.

Mountain Splendour Taste Tour, Comeragh Mountains

Embark on the Taste Waterford backed ‘Mountain Splendour Taste Tour’ in the stunning Comeragh Mountains with local tour guide Johnny Lander, where you’ll meet food producers, hear their stories, and enjoy gorgeous scenery in the process. Learn about shepherding, visit a sustainable farm, and take part in a forest forage before enjoying lunch at Cooney’s Yard, a converted farm building.

Celebrating Trailblazers Lunch (hosted by Georgina Campbell)

In this unique, lunchtime event, Waterford Festival of Food honours four local female entrepreneurs who have spearheaded the local food and hospitality industry in Dungarvan since the 1970s, namely Eileen Harty, Gertie Ormonde, Esther Barron, and Laurann Fitzgerald, hosted by renowned food writer Georgina Campbell.

Jerry Fish and the Electric Sideshow, Shandon Carpark 

One of the headline events, expected to attract a large crowd,  will be a pairing of music and food. Jerry Fish, known for his eclectic and genre-bending style, will bring not only his musical prowess but also his showmanship to the opening night of Waterford Festival of Food. Supported by local band Under Starling, those lucky enough to attend can also enjoy food served by local restaurants Interlude, X35, Indian Ocean, 360 Cookhouse and The 2 Sisters, along with a bar by Merry’s.  [No single use plastics at this event].

Rowley Leigh guest chefs at The Tannery

Iconic British Chef Rowley Leigh will guest chef for the very first time at The Tannery. One of Paul Flynn’s food heroes for many years, Chef Leigh has been described as one of the founding fathers of modern British cooking. He is also a highly respected cookery writer and award-winning influential author. The menu will feature Rowley’s famous signature dishes while the Tannery and guests in turn will show him some good old-fashioned Dungarvan hospitality.