The 16th Savour Kilkenny Food Festival takes place this weekend in Kilkenny.
But for the pandemic wilderness years for the hospitality and entertainment sector in Ireland, it would have been up on 18, but nobody’s really counting at this stage. And, as it happens, events get under this evening on the dining front. But whether you’re in Kilkenny tonight, tomorrow or the weekend, there’s only one event that matters on the food front and it’s Savour.
Having spent three hours on air this morning keeping an ear on all things Savour Kilkenny, I’ve got my own plan in place that should see me installed at the Savour Market in time for breakfast on Saturday morning, weaving between talks, demos, chats, nibbles and more. Rinse repeat for Sunday, and likely back again for an extended programme of events on Monday, sans market.
As a festival, it’s got something for everyone. The Savour and Taste stages will feature the likes of Rachel Allen, JP McMahon, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon, Rory O’Connell, local favourites Edward Hayden and Anne Neary, along with new Kilkenny residents James Kavanagh and William Murray. New names and local businesses will grace the Taste stage with Tracie Daly as MC – no doubt with plenty of stories to be shared and lessons to be learned. There’s a whole family element this year with events on the Mayor’s Walk and further afield at Canal Square, while for those with a thirst will find a warm reception in the craft brewers and distillers marquee.
Oh, and that’s before you take a walk through the hundred or so market stalls and traders with food producers and street food vendors making their way to Kilkenny from Cork to Armagh and everywhere in between.
“We’re all very excited for this weekend in Kilkenny as we’re going to have some of the best names in Irish food here showcasing their culinary excellence”, says Marian Flannery, who’s been steering the festival direction for the past decade.
“Whether it’s your first time attending Savour Kilkenny or whether you’ve been before, there’s something for everyone. We’re especially looking forward to Saturday night when Abbaesque come to town. It’s proven to be a hugely popular event so we’re looking forward to seeing the crowds out and it’s the first time the markets on The Parade will stay open until 9pm.”
Judging by the buildup on social media, there’s no shortage of content coming via Instagram but you can get the full programme online now at savourkilkenny.com.
