@TasteWest THE county Limerick town Newcastle West is shaping up for September as organisers make their final preparations for The Knights of Westfest Festival. Building on the success of 2011, the festival will retain the five night format centred in the picturesque Market Square with the backdrop of The Desmond Castle.
In the words of one of the Festival organisers, Siobhan Kelly:
“We are delighted to be putting on another great weekend of music and entertainment in Newcastle West – we are bringing huge stars from the Irish music scene and it will be bigger and better than 2011”.
Showcasing an extensive range of mouth-watering West Limerick produce, at the show,visitors will be able to meet first class artisan producers and see well known chefs demonstrate their culinary skills.
Ross Lewis from one of Ireland’s leading restaurants, Chapter One, will head the chef line up. The Michelin Star Chef will be joined by Newcastle West native, Tom Flavin, who is the Executive Chef in the Strand Hotel in Limerick.
“To have a chef of Ross Lewis’ calibre travel from Dublin to demonstrate his culinary expertise at the Taste of Westfest Food Festival is a real coup for the region,” said RAI Munster Chairman Padraic Frawley who is also owner of the Frawley Group which includes the award winning Cornstore Restaurant in Limerick.
“Visitors will have a rare opportunity to see one of Ireland’s top chefs in action,” he added.
A fashion and business showcase kicks off the festival on Wednesday, September 12 while Thursday will see the music acts begin with one of Ireland’s leading cover bands Bluemoose taking to the Main Stage in The Square.
On Friday,10 participants in the revived Knights of Desmond contest will be interviewed on stage by Hector O’hEochagainm, followed by a performance from Fastest Accordion Player Michael O’Brien & band.
The party continues on Saturday with Popular Galway band, The Saw Doctors who will be headlining this year’s Knights of Westfest powered by the songwriting partnership of Leo Moran (guitar) and Davy Carton (vocals).
An Artisan Food Fair – Taste of Westfest has been added to the 5-day musical extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday. And there’s lots for children to enjoy, with a Family Fun Day including a Teddy Bears Picnic and a Reptile Zoo.
Dan Mullane, The Mustard Seed, Patrick Clement, Pallas Foods, Agnes Boucher Hayes, Taste of Westfest committee and Tom Flavin, Head Chef, The Strand Hotel at the launch of Westfest.
