This exciting new chapter of the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival brought thousands of visitors to Bushmills for a giant celebration of the food, drink and culture found across the Causeway Coast and Glens.
The inaugural Giant Table festival has been hailed a resounding success, with visitors from far and wide enjoying a packed programme of chef demonstrations, live music, artisan markets, wellness experiences and unique food and drink events across the three-day festival.
Building on the legacy of the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, The Giant Table expanded the festival's offering while continuing to celebrate the local businesses, chefs, makers and producers that have helped establish Bushmills and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area as one of Northern Ireland's leading food and drink destinations.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said:
“The Giant Table has been a wonderful celebration of the food, drink, talent and community that make Bushmills and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens so special. It was fantastic to see so many visitors enjoying the programme and supporting our local businesses.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped make this inaugural event such a success. It has been a fantastic new chapter for the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, and I look forward to seeing it grow in the years ahead.”
The festival kicked off on Friday with taste samplings in Bushmills Visitor Information Centre, alongside a host of local restaurants offering bespoke menus created especially for The Giant Table. A special Supper Club was hosted by Gary Stewart of Tartine at the Distillers Arms in collaboration with Rob Curley of Slemish Market Supper Club, showcasing some of the finest local ingredients from across the region.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, visitors were treated to a diverse programme of cookery demonstrations across the Main Street Cookery Theatre and The Courthouse Cookery Theatre. Demonstrations featured a range of well-known chefs and food personalities including Nathan Anthony, bestselling author and the face behind Bored of Lunch, who hosted a packed-out demonstration in the Main Theatre alongside Stephen Jeffers of Forestside Cookery School. Ian Orr of Bushmills Townhouse, Gary Stewart of Tartine, Craig Garrot of The Marcus and many more also delivered engaging demonstrations over the course of the weekend.
Music and entertainment created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the village, with performances from a range of artists taking place across Bushmills. Audiences enjoyed music from Eoghan Quigg, Chloe Mac, Matthew Crampsey, Jamie Sloan, Crystal Dawn and many more, alongside traditional music, roaming entertainers, singing chefs and the popular Causeway Shantymen.
The Bake Off competition at Dunluce Parish Church also attracted numerous entries from bakers of all ages and abilities. Judging was led by Gary Stewart and special guest Lyla Doey before winners were announced during the afternoon prize-giving ceremony. The celebrations did not stop there, with Seasons of the Glens kindly providing hampers for festival giveaways during the cookery demonstrations and as prizes for the festival's social media competition.
Elsewhere, visitors explored local producers through tasting experiences, enjoyed artisan goods at the Maker’s Market, visited the dedicated Drinks Hub showcasing Northern Irish beverages, and took part in a range of wellness activities in nearby Portballintrae including yoga, kayaking, sauna and cold-plunge experiences.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council would also like to thank the festival partners and sponsors, including DAERA NI Regional Food Programme. We would also like to thank the local businesses, producers, performers and all those whose support helped make The Giant Table a memorable celebration and a successful new chapter in the story of the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival.
