Celebrating all things '˜apple' at Richhill fayre

Local chefs, from left, John White, Mervyn Steenson and Sean Farran. INPT43-010

The fayre, which takes place in the Square from 9.30am to 5pm, will include lots of local food and drink to sample and cookery demonstrations by local chefs -Simon Dougan from the Yellow Door, Mervyn Steenson from Grouchos, Richhill, John White from Armagh City Hotel, and Sean Farran from The Moody Boar in Armagh.

Malachi Cush will be compering the event and there will be live music and children’s activities running throughout the day in the grounds of Richhill Castle. Families can also meet some special animals which star in The Game of Thrones.

Back by popular demand is the tug-of-war display where local people can also get involved in the challenge.

The fayre has been organised by Richhill Buildings Preservation Trust and its dedicated team of volunteers. It has received financial support from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and local businesses.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Garath Keating, said, “We live and work in a very special place. Our reputation as being the orchard county has certainly put our special place on the food map.

“The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is a fayre which is now in its third year and its success continues to build year on year. Here in Armagh we are very proud of our heritage so this is a fantastic day out in the rural Food Heartlands where we can all celebrate our world famous Bramley Apple and celebrate all of our other local producers.”

Apple grower Hamilton Loney said there had been a big apple crop this year. “The harvest is a very busy time for fruit growers like myself. There’s so much work to do and this year there has been a fantastic crop,” he said.

“The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre celebrates the work we do. It celebrates our connection with our land. It’s an opportunity for families to come out and support the rural community’s efforts.

“We look forward to welcoming families for the third year in a row. The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is fast becoming a date in everyone’s diary.”