Festival Lough Erne, a two day celebration of the very best of local food and Lakelands, is returning for a fourth year on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September 2018.
The weekend will see a host of activities on and off the water with cookery demonstrations from guest chefs, produce courtesy of local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment, as well as a range of water based activities, all taking place at Enniskillen Castle, in the heart of Enniskillen.
Speaking at the launch of Festival Lough Erne, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton said;
“I am delighted that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with other key stakeholders, has, once again, undertaken to organise Festival Lough Erne. The Council has shown its willingness to collaborate with partners in the voluntary, statutory and business sectors to deliver projects which have a positive impact on the area. Festival Lough Erne certainly has, in previous years, proved to have been a wonderful vehicle to showcase our superb waterways and the quality of our local produce sourced from across the district and I am confident that this year’s festival will be equally successful.”
Other activities will include the Lough Erne Cot Regatta. This is a very unique occasion as it is the first time in the history of boat racing on Lough Erne that a regatta is being held to find the “Lough Erne Champion” from amongst all the towns and villages taking part. The cots will be racing along the River Erne right beside Enniskillen Castle.
Also on water, there will be short boat trips with the Erne Water Taxi and Erne Boat Hire around the island town of Enniskillen. These are available to festival goers at no additional cost.
Over the course of the two days, from local hotels and restaurants will perform live cookery demonstrations for all to enjoy. With a host of well known local food and drink producers represented at the event, visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase delicious produce throughout the weekend.
Festival goers will also enjoy children’s activities with staff from Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, street entertainers and live music from local bands and a display from Lough Erne Heritage providing a unique insight into the importance of the waterway in bygone years; all compered by Fermanagh’s own Bryan Gallagher.
Daily admission to Festival Lough Erne is only £2.00 per person and under 12s go free. Admission also includes entry to both museums on site at Enniskillen Castle.
Festival Lough Erne takes place at Enniskillen Castle on Saturday 22 September from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm and Sunday 23 September 12 noon to 6.00 pm. Come along and join the fun!
Festival Lough Erne is organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and supported by Waterways Ireland, Enniskillen BID and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism.
For further information visit www.festivallougherne.com and check for updates on Facebook and Twitter #FestErne