Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to introduce The Giant Table, the exciting new chapter of the much-loved Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival.
Taking place from 2 - 4 October, The Giant Table builds on the rich heritage of the festival while expanding its focus to celebrate the full breadth of food, drink and culture found across the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Bringing together local producers, chefs, artisans, makers and musicians, The Giant Table invites residents and visitors alike to discover the tastes, stories and spirit that make this region special.
The Festival begins on Friday 2nd of October with taste samplings at the Bushmills Visitor Information Centre and guided walking tours with Anthony MacNaghten. In the evening, festival-goers can enjoy a range of dining experiences including a special Supper Club hosted by Chef Gary Stewart of Tartine at Distillers Arms in collaboration with Chef Rob Curley of the Slemish Market Supper Club, which promises to showcase the very best of local produce.
Saturday and Sunday sees a full programme of cookery demonstrations, live music, artisan markets, and plenty of unique experiences celebrating local food and drink.
Visitors can enjoy demonstrations from an impressive lineup of chefs and food personalities including Darragh Milligan of Belfast Undercover Chef, Nathan Anthony, best-selling author and the face behind Bored of Lunch, Ian Orr of Bushmills Townhouse, Stephen Jeffers of Forestside Cookery School and many more. Demonstrations take place across both the Main Street Cookery Theatre and The Courthouse Cookery Theatre.
Live entertainment will feature throughout the village, with performances across multiple venues from artists such as Chloe Mac, Eoghan Quigg, Half Cut, Sarah Carson, and a host of traditional and contemporary performers. Roaming entertainment including The Causeway Shantymen, stilt walkers and singing chefs will add to the festival atmosphere.
The Courthouse will serve as a hub of activity throughout the weekend, hosting cookery demonstrations and creative showcases alongside live music and entertainment. Visitors can also meet local food and drink producers in the Visitor Information Centre through Meet the Maker sessions.
Our Bake Off competition invites bakers of all ages and abilities to showcase their homemade creations. From breads and cakes to jams, traybakes and scones, all entries are welcome! Judging will be led by Chef Gary Stewart alongside very special guest judge Lyla Doey, who appeared on Junior Bake Off. All entries are to be left In Dunluce Parish Church Hall on Saturday 3rd from 10:30am – 12 noon with a prize giving to commence at 2pm.
A dedicated drinks hub will showcase beverages from across Northern Ireland on Sunday, while younger visitors can enjoy pancake making sessions on Main Street.
As part of the festival’s expanded programme, a new Wellness Hub will be hosted in nearby Portballintrae on Saturday, offering a variety of experiences including yoga, kayaking, sauna and cold plunge experiences.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “This exciting new identity celebrates the unique character, creativity and culinary heritage of our Borough, bringing people together around one giant table.
While the name may be new, it is rooted in everything that has made this event so special over the years – a strong sense of community, a warm welcome, and a celebration of the people, producers and businesses of Bushmills and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area.
Since it began, the festival has continued to grow and evolve.
What started as a community celebration of two products so closely associated with this area has developed into a much broader showcase of our food and drink, alongside craft, creativity and hospitality.”
Whether visitors are passionate about food, interested in local culture, seeking a family day out, or simply looking to experience the unique atmosphere of the festival, there’s a place waiting for you at The Giant Table.
For more information, click Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey 2026 | Causeway Coast & Glens