DERRY SLOW FOOD FESTIVAL BRINGS MORE THAN JUST FUN TO THE FAIR
The award-winning Derry Slow Food Festival, organised by Derry and Strabane District Council, promises local traders and businesses more than just fun at the fair on the 29th and 30th September in Guildhall Square.
The festival, which is now in its third year, has attracted significant visitor numbers to the City with 20,000 attending in 2016, increasing by a remarkable 25% in 2017.
Last year the festival generated an astounding £525,000 for businesses, retailers and traders with almost 70% going directly to the hospitality sector from visitors deciding to enjoy the full weekend’s line up of events. This resulted in a hotel occupancy rate of 89% over the two days, demonstrating a much higher figure than in previous years, and an impressive achievement for the end of the summer season.
The family-friendly event has not only enjoyed an increase in visitor numbers but also an increase in demand from traders who are keen to be included within the select line up within the producer’s tent. This year will welcome 31 local traders who have been offered a space within the producer’s tent, up from 26 during last year’s festival.
With the event recently being awarded NI Food and Drink Experience of the Year from Tourism NI and Best Tourism Event at the North West Business Awards, this growth is expected to increase for the third consecutive year.
Jennifer O’Donnell, Tourism Manager for Derry and Strabane Council comments “I am delighted with the success of our Slow Food Festival since it began in 2016; it is fantastic to be able to welcome so many visitors to our amazing City and offer them an opportunity to taste the delicious produce and hospitality that we have on offer here.
“We work very closely with our local businesses to guarantee a top class visitor experience and to ensure that businesses have the opportunity to promote their services, products and goods with a view to increasing sales and income generation within the region.
“We are delighted that our combined efforts has been recognised for its unique value and quality through our recent awards which have included the ‘NI Food and Drink Experience of the Year 2018’ from Tourism NI and ‘Best Tourism Event’ at the North West Business Awards and we are keen to continue to build on the success of the event itself in offering a unique and enjoyable visitor experience and in helping our local businesses to continue to thrive.”
The Slow Food Festival is FREE and takes place in Guildhall Square on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th September from 12 noon to 6pm each day. For further information, including details of exhibitors and timetable for cookery demos and talks, musical entertainment and children’s activities visit www.derrystrabane.com/food
