28-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Countdown to Tralee Food Festival in the Kerry capital – 'It showcases the vibrancy of our town'
The official launch was held recently by the committee, who are excited in anticipation of another successful event that draws crowds from all over Kerry to Tralee as the programme of events comes to fruition.
Tralee Food Festival is about recognising and presenting the work of foodies year on year as it continues to grow. It's core aim is to create an inclusive, vibrant festival with free workshops, live entertainment and cooking demos for both locals and visitors alike.
Mary Mc Quinn is one of the festival organisers who believes it's 'incredibly important' to highlight the best of local produce, support small businesses, and contribute positively to the local economy.
'We really hope everyone enjoys what we have planned for this year. The eagerly awaited festival is not only set to showcase exceptional food and local talent, but also to recognise the outstanding businesses of Tralee that bring the festival to life,' she said.
Thanks to the support of Entára Group – the co-working hubs and office space company – this year's festival will feature three exciting award categories: Best Restaurant, Best Stall/Vendor, and Best Shop Front.
These awards will highlight those who excel in the quality of food, creativity, or the impact they have on the local community during the festival. Moreover, the awards will provide a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their dedication and commitment to creating memorable experiences for festival-goers.
The categories will be judged by Chef Max Bagaglini, Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy, and food and lifestyle content creator Aisling McCarthy. The judges will tour all stalls, visiting restaurants and bars on the Taste Trail, and walking through the town to inspect shop front displays.
This is an opportunity for businesses to show off their best work and make a lasting impression. Shops are encouraged to put in a big effort into ensuring their business stands out, while the public can also share photos and feedback across social media throughout the festival.
Festival organiser Ken Tobin said that by inviting all businesses, and shops in particular, to bring a splash of colour to their windows, it embraces the fun of the food festival.
'This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vibrant spirit of our town and create a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Let's work together to make Tralee shine and show off the best of what our community has to offer,' Ken said.
The Tralee Food Festival is a celebration of all things local and with the support of Entára Group, this year's awards will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work and innovation of our local food scene.
