Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed on the 5th to 7th of May into a festival of flowers, food and fun as Allianz Garden Show Ireland take over the magnificent venue bringing gardening inspiration, foodie treats and family fun to the thousands of visitors who flock to the event each year.
A Local Heritage theme has been weaved through every aspect of the Show and visitors will enjoy being transported to Narnia through the CS Lewis inspired team gardens and the stunning large feature garden, designed by young architect James Purdy. The magic will continue for the little ones as they can use their creativity to build fairy houses, try their hand at making their own flower or feather headbands or even design and fly their own kites.
Damien O’Neil, Head of Marketing & Communications for Allianz Ireland remarked,
“Allianz Garden Show Ireland is a very special event as it really does have something for every generation, from show gardens to live choirs everyone will find something that they enjoy. We are especially excited to see so many activities for young children that will encourage them to start their gardening journey, activities, like planting workshops and creating fairy gardens, will spark those little imaginations and that is something that we all love to see.”
For budding green fingers young and old there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about gardening by visiting one of the many garden visuals or taking the time to explore the “Heritage of Place” garden situated at the heart of the Show. There will be talks from experts such as BBC’s Joe Swift amongst others on how to create your own garden on a budget, to grow your own veg and even produce floral arrangements for your own garden party alongside plenty of opportunities to meet the expert exhibitors who are happy to answer any questions.
Young children will enjoy the festival of flowers, food, and fun at Allianz Garden Show Ireland which runs at Antrim Castle Gardens from 5th – 7th May. Children will enjoy a whimsical day as they can create fairy houses, try their hand at making their own flower or feather headbands or even design and fly their own kites.
The festival atmosphere will continue throughout the Show weekend with members of Sestina ‘popping up’ around the Show in song and the Brass Band from the City of Belfast School of Music playing at the Show on Saturday 6th May. While on Sunday 7th May the ‘Sing for Life‘ choir, a partnership between Cancer Focus and the Crescent Arts Centre will perform with their 70 strong choirs.
Food continues to be a huge part of the Show with the celebrated cookery writer Thane Prince and broadcaster joining resident chef Paula McIntyre on Saturday 6th May. Paula will be creating wonderful picnic and BBQ dishes during her demonstrations in the Food Pavilion daily. Visitors will also be able to stock up amazing local produce from talented artisan producers or enjoy cream teas and Jazz in the Punjana Tea Pavilion. The Click Energy Relax and Recharge area will offer visitors an exciting range of local farm produce to enjoy in one of the many quiet spots throughout Antrim Castle Gardens.
The family focused event has, over the last number of years, engaged with schools province-wide ensuring that the Show is eagerly anticipated by the children who take part in the Allianz supported schools challenges. Primary Schools will be displaying their garden containers under the theme of ‘Enchanted Gardens’. Allianz Scarecrow Avenue meanwhile will come alive with scarecrows created by primary schools in the integrated sector who will be creating a ‘Legends of NI’ avenue.
Set in the historic Antrim Castle Gardens, Allianz Garden Show Ireland continues to draw record crowds each year and with extensive local parking and a short travel time from Belfast it really is an accessible day out for all.
For tickets and more information please visit www.gardenshowireland.com
