October is the month to celebrate the harvest and there’s no better place to do it than in our orchard county.
Armagh’s famous orchards become the focus for Northern Ireland as Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre prepares to welcome thousands of people on Saturday to celebrate our world famous Bramley apple.
Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is back on October 29 as a celebration of all the very best food and drink which the region has to offer.
Yet again this year, a host of food and drink producers will come to Richhill’s historic village square to celebrate our connection with our land in the Food Heartlands. But as well as a showcase of food and drink there will also be a whole range of activities for families to enjoy.
Speaking ahead of this year’s fayre, the Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Garath Keating, said: “We live and work in a very special place. Our reputation as being the orchard county has certainly put our special place on the food map.
“The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is a fayre which is now in its third year and its success continues to build year on year. Here in Armagh we are very proud of our heritage so this is a fantastic day out in the rural Food Heartlands where we can all celebrate our world famous Bramley Apple and celebrate all of our other local producers.
“I am delighted to support the Richhill Appple Harvest Fayre.”
Joining Mayor Keating in his orchards recently and at the official launch of the fayre in Richhill’s Cafe Casa, Hamilton Loney said there has been a big crop this year.
He said: “The harvest is a very busy time for fruit growers like myself. There’s so much work to do and this year there has been a fantastic crop. The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre celebrates the work we do. It celebrates our connection with our land. It’s an opportunity for families to come out and support the rural community’s efforts.
“We look forward to welcoming families for the third year in a row. The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is fast becoming a date in everyone’s diary.”
The fayre, which takes place from 9.30am to 5pm, is a chance to sample the delicious produce on sale, have something to eat, enjoy cookery demonstrations, sample locally produced ciders and juices, listen to the live entertainment on offer all day and take part in the many children’s activities on offer.
The cookery demonstrations will run throughout the day with some of Armagh’s finest showcasing their talents and showing the amazing dishes which can be prepared using finest local ingredients especially the Armagh apples.
Live music and entertainment will be on the main stage and back by popular demand is the tug-of-war display where local people can also get involved in the challenge. There will be children’s entertainment running throughout the day in the grounds of Richhill Castle and families can also meet some special animals which star in The Game of Thrones.
This fayre has been organised by Richhill Buildings Preservation Trust by a dedicated team of volunteers. It has received financial support from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and local private businesses who also sponsor the event.
