Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival kicks-off
Pictured at the launch of the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival are Irish dancers from Innova Irish Dance Company with Niall Mehaffy, Bushmills Distillery; Gerry McLean and Cllr Sharon McKillop, chairperson of Bushmills Traders’ Association.
The third Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, which gets underway today, looks set to be another feast of fabulous food, entertainment and live music including headline act, Cellar Door.
The festival, which runs until Sunday, is a celebration of local culture, heritage and produce and this year’s programme is promising audiences an exciting mix of entertainment.
Cllr Sharon McKillop, chairperson of Bushmills Traders’ Association says that the festival is all about showcasing artisan food and drink producers and local talent:
“We have a great weekend planned with an array of exciting events taking place across different venues in Bushmills including an exclusive art exhibition by locally renowned watercolour artist Larry Walsh, performances from Ulster and Northern Ireland Irish dance champion, Jane McGarry, Camhanach Ulster Scots five-piece band and a local bake-off competition at the Distillers Arms.
“This year’s festival is set to surpass all others and visitors are in for a real treat with lots to see and taste and with even more organisations and venues involved, meaning there is something for everyone. The festival grows from strength to strength every year and is a wonderful opportunity to promote our talented local musicians and dancers and unique artisan products.
Niall Mehaffy from Bushmills Distillery added:
“We are really looking forward to opening the doors of the oldest licensed Whiskey Distillery in the world and welcoming friends old and new during the festival weekend which will showcase all that Bushmills has to offer and promote the local area as a great place to visit. For over 400 years our philosophy is hand-crafting small batches of award-winning whiskey; an ethos that is very much part of the festival.”
