With just three weeks to go, Bord Bia has announced the final line-up for this year’s Bloom festival, and there is plenty to celebrate.
With a host of new features, expert talks and immersive experiences taking place, Bord Bia Bloom’s landmark 20th year promises five unforgettable days in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Seven exhibitors from Waterford are set to participate in this year’s event.
Gardening galore!
The festival expects to welcome over 100,000 visitors over its five days, which will play host to 20 spectacular new Show Gardens at the centre of the experience.
Green-fingered attendees can also enjoy the perfectly formed petite Postcard Gardens supported by Tirlán CountryLife, including Seanchas and Sandhills by Kids of Tramore Pottery, Tramore.
Honouring seanchas (old stories) and sandhills, this garden showcases the important grasses and plants that protect the beloved, but endangered, Tramore Sandhills. A semi-circle of totem poles will represent the local community as guardians of nature. Each is built using layered pieces of pottery made by local children in weekly pottery classes, demonstrating the transfer of craftsmanship from one generation to the next. The garden will celebrate the wonder that nature can inspire in the young while underlining how communities must be custodians of the natural world.
The Nursery Village will welcome leading plant experts including Easter Island Alpines from Waterford; and attendees can also enjoy live demonstrations and interactive workshops including floral crown making in the Botanical Hub, and exhibitions of Botanical and Floral Art and AOIFA’s (Association of Irish Floral Artists) Floral Art Competition.
Food Glorious Food
There is much to enjoy at this year’s festival, with three indoor restaurants and three outdoor catering areas serving Bord Bia Quality Assured produce, along with the Food Village which features +100 of Ireland’s best artisanal food and drink producers. From Waterford, Blackwater Distillery from Ballyduff Upper will be exhibiting with a brand-new product launching at Bloom this year. The county will also be represented by Dungarvan Brewing Company, Legacy Craft Cider, 7th Raven, and The Premium Butcher.
‘A Taste of Bloom, curated by Neven Maguire’ is returning to this year’s festival in the flagship Garden View Restaurant, featuring a three-course menu showcasing some of the finest ingredients from quality Irish producers. The ‘Taste of Bloom’ package is available to purchase on Ticketmaster.
Speaking about the announcement, Laura Douglas, Head of Bloom and Brand Partnerships, Bord Bia said “Bord Bia Bloom provides attendees with countless opportunities to grow, taste and learn, and to mark its 20th year, we have a brilliant programme planned. With 20 spectacular Show Gardens, a new wellness area, and experiences that celebrate gardening, quality food and drink and sustainable living, there is something to suit everyone.
“For younger visitors, there’s plenty to enjoy too, with a range of fun, educational and interactive workshops at the Budding Bloomers area, and the RTÉ Stage will provide entertainment throughout the festival, featuring a variety of its most-loved programming and live musical performances to keep attendees of all ages a-buzz!”
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