Bread Festival Ready to Rise to the Occasion at Castle Ward

U105’s Julian Simmons pictured with Lily O’Connor from Downpatrick ready for the Bread Festival at Castle Ward from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 May.[/caption]     The International Bread Festival is the first of three special days over the Bank Holiday weekend, which will include a special outdoor performance by Van Morrison on Sunday 26 May. The weekend will conclude with a family celebration of bikes and anything on two wheels on Monday 27 May! Speaking ahead of their visit to Castle Ward, Paul Rankin said: “Nick and I are hugely passionate about food and Irish baking. We have so much to be proud of in Ireland from the humble soda farl to the homely wheaten bread. We know that bread plays a huge role in any successful meal and we can’t wait to showcase the best of baking at Castle Ward.” “We heard about the success of last year’s event, and we are hugely excited about bringing our own unique style to the shores of Strangford Lough. What better place to spend a bank holiday weekend than Castle Ward?” Expecting many visitors from near and far to enjoy the weekend Jacqui Baird, Visitor Services Manager for National Trust, Castle Ward said: “This year the festival has been extended to a mega three-day programme of bread, blues and bikes. [caption id="attachment_38390" align="alignright" width="390"] Richard Bertinet will be at the Castle Ward Bread Festival to cook up some tasty delights.[/caption] “On Sunday evening we will welcome the legendary Van Morrison to play for the first time ever at a National Trust property and on Monday afternoon, live music from the Illegal Eagles and Wildflowers will entertain visitors on the front lawn.  Come as a group, family or individual with or without your motorbike, bicycle, or vintage bike and soak up the atmosphere at this unforgettable event” Down District Council’s Event Development Officer, Ann Moreland added: “We are really looking forward to another successful celebration of baking and bread. This International Bread Festival on Saturday 25 May will give everyone the opportunity to travel the world in one day and sample a variety of breads from the local to the exotic, many of which we have all come to love. “It also gives Down District Council the opportunity to showcase the magnificent Strangford Lough Destination, and our continued partnership with the National Trust at Castle Ward.” There is no admission charge to the International Bread Festival on Saturday 25 May, however a £5 conservation charge will be applied for parking. Tickets for the Van Morrison concert on Sunday 26 May are available from £47 plus booking fee at Belfast Welcome Centre or via ticketmaster. A range of VIP packages are also available by contacting Castle Ward directly on 028 4488 1204 The bike event on Monday 27 May will be free to National Trust members (normal admission charges apply to visitors), and everyone is encouraged to bring their bikes to enjoy the trails and open spaces at Castle Ward.]]>