With just three weeks to go, Bord Bia has today 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. 10 exhibitors from Meath 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 three from Meath community groups. They include:
The Living Bog by Leaving Certificate Applied Class, St Ciaran’s Community School in Kells. The garden combines the class’s creative and practical skills, showcasing the natural landscapes in their area. It hopes to be a celebration of Ireland’s natural boglands, informing visitors about native plants that are unique to peatlands.
The Special Hands Activity Group also in Kells will create the ‘This is Us’ Postcard Garden, which represents the pathways the group’s members can take to learn new skills, integrate with the community, and develop lasting friendships. The garden embodies the spirit of the group – it is a place where members can meet, create, feel empowered, and most importantly, have fun.
The Ash2020 Garden designed by Ash2020 Bicentenary CLG in Ashbourne will celebrate the Ash2020 community highlighting biodiversity through pollinator-friendly planting, bird and insect boxes, and wild areas.
The Nursery Village will welcome leading plant experts including Boyne Garden Centre & Nursery from Slane and Elmgrove Irish Flower Farm from Gormanstown;. 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 Meath, Finnegan’s Farm and Lir Chocolates from Navan will be exhibiting at the festival, as well as McCormack’s Family Farm, Dunsany, Clarke’s Fresh Fruit from Stamullen, and Bettystown’s The Studio Coffee Roasters.
‘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!
Tickets
Bord Bia Bloom will take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin from Thursday, May 28th to Monday, June 1st from 9am-6pm each day. Head to bordbiabloom.com to book your tickets and start planning your visit.
Tickets are priced at €35 per adult, €30 for concessions (plus booking fee). Up to two children aged 16 and under can enter for free with every adult ticket (additional child tickets €5 (plus booking fee)) making Bloom a great day out for all the family.
