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Irish Independent
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See pictures from Wexford's Strawberry Weekend – ‘People want us to succeed'
An annual strawberry-centred event, that has taken the reigns following the the end of the Strawberry Festival, was highly attended by locals who were eager for ice cream, music, and meet and greets with some of their favourite cartoon characters thanks to the Rathnure Pantomime Society. The Village of Wheelock's signature pink ice creams made an appearance and were enjoyed by Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Paddy Kavanagh and members of the Wexford IFA. The ice cream was successfully launched at the event last year following a 12 month development period where Cyril Wheelock travelled up to Tinnahinch in Co Carlow to John Whelan's Devil Menu to understand how they incorporate strawberries. They then came home with the sauce and learned how to directly blend their signature strawberries with the ice cream until they are the colour pink. It saw immediate success and he observed that this new strawberry blended ice cream made up two thirds of the ice cream they sold, proving to be a big winner with customers. There was also a wide variety of stalls selling handmade jewellery, products and produce, as well as amusement rides, face painting and dancing areas to keep everyone entertained. Cyril explained that they are always overwhelmed and overjoyed at the outpouring of support they receive from the area when they host this event. "When we do events like the Strawberry Weekend and planting the sunflowers and things like that, I are humbled by the support that we get here. People just wanting us and willing us to succeed and to be successful,' he said. 'Thanks to anyone who helped out in any way during the festival. From our point it was a major success anyway. We have learned a lot in the last two years and we feel that this year we changed a few things and it made such a difference,' he added. As a member of the Wexford Food Producers Network, Cyril decided to erect a large display to put a spotlight on his fellow producers around the county. 'We're part of the Wexford Food Producers Network, so I wanted to display all the Wexford food producers and thanks so much to every one of them who brought stuff and delivered in stuff here for this display. There is also people here on this display who are producing in Wexford and not part of the Wexford Producers Group and that's okay – it's all about Wexford here. He gave a special mention of thanks to Wexford IFA who have supported him and the business for years and 'always turn up in spades' when he needs assistance.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford's Rockin' Food and Fruit Festival attracts 50,000 people to streets of Enniscorthy
Arguably the biggest festival in Wexford, outside the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, it consisted of 80 food and craft vendors, live food demonstrations, and a number of performances from musicians and dancers from within Wexford and across the country. The official launch was held with a vibrant ceremony at Enniscorthy Castle on Friday, May 2 by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne. He commended the ongoing commitment of the organising committee and all involved in growing the festival over the past decade. Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne echoed these sentiments, highlighting the event's significance not just for family entertainment and cultural celebration, but also for its positive economic impact on the local community. "It is hard to believe that it's been ten years running. This festival has always been about more than just food and music. It's about giving people a reason to come into Enniscorthy, to meet each other, and to support what we have to offer,' he said. Speaking on behalf of the festival's title sponsor, Kevin Lawlor of Enniscorthy Credit Union said: 'We are proud to support this fantastic community event, which continues to bring people together and promote the best of Enniscorthy and Wexford. Congratulations to the organisers on reaching this important milestone.' Richie Cotter also spoke about the origins of Rock 'n' Roll and it's place in the town of Enniscorthy, which has been recognised as one of the hot-beds of Rock 'n' Roll in Europe. Festival chairman Eric Barron extended sincere thanks to the festival's supporters and sponsors, including Enniscorthy Credit Union, Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club, Wexford Food Producers Network, Donohoe Skoda, and all Friends of the Festival. The Wexford Food Producers were delighted with the response to their panels of celebrity chefs including; Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, and Wexford's Paul Hynes and Warren Gillen. Marketing Manager Stacey Williams emphasised that the festival had a big focus on homegrown brands including; Naturally Cordial, Isle of Crackers, Mor Taste, La Kav Wines, Killowen Farm, Wexbury Irish Spirits, Earth Food, All About Nectar & Killian Castle Honey, Zaeire Artisan Chocolate and Elderberry Farm Produce. A wide array of bands took to the various stages along the Promenade and the Market Square to bring live music to music-lovers and families milling about the packed town. There were activities galore for children of all ages including a free Lego event, a puppet show, Pokémon trading card session, and the opportunity to meet and interact with beloved animated characters thanks to the crew of the Rathnure Pantomime Society. An Garda Síochana, the ambulance service, and the Civil Defence were also on hand to assist with traffic management at the weekend and helped keep the festival running smoothly. On behalf of the festival organisers, Amanda Whitmore extended her thanks to everyone who made their milestone anniversary a huge success. "From the incredible food vendors, chefs, musicians, dancers, to the tireless volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and most importantly – you our amazing festival goers – this week was unforgettable. With record-breaking attendance, buzzing streets, and an electric atmosphere, we marked out tenth anniversary in style!'
