Anna Haugh to Headline Comber Earlies Food Festival!

Released: Wednesday 28 May 2025

Celebrated Irish TV chef Anna Haugh will headline this year's Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 28 June (11am - 5pm). A familiar face on BBC shows like Morning Live, Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef, and Anna Haugh's Big Irish Food Tour, experienced broadcaster Lotte Duncan will join Anna at the popular foodie event, where visitors can discover the best ways to cook the prized Comber Earlies potato.

The Comber Earlies Food Festival has received funding from DAERA's Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. The free-to-attend Festival will be held at the Comber Leisure Centre car park.

The Festival is a highlight of Ards and North Down's foodie calendar. It offers a feast of artisan food and drink stalls, a vintage tractor display, celebrity chef demos, and children's entertainment, all in celebration of Comber's renowned potato. Chefs will showcase their culinary talents, while visitors can engage in discussions with local food heroes, enjoy live music, and sip on a refreshing drink at the Artisan Bar.

Enjoy potato-themed cooking demonstrations by Anna Haugh and explore local food producers as they showcase their products with Lotte Duncan on the Food Producers' Stage. New this year is the Comber Cookery School where people can book on to come and learn how best to use Comber Earlies from the talented chefs at SERC. Information on how to book will be on our website.

Live music from the String Ninjas and Cool Hand String Band will satisfy the musical needs of a wide range of tastes.

Children will have plenty to enjoy! Look forward to walkabout entertainment, ride-on tractors, a soil pit, sensory activities, and the exciting Golden Spud Hunt. Find one of the hidden golden spuds and bring it to the Visitor Information Caravan (opposite the Leisure Centre entrance) to claim a prize!

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alistair Cathcart, said:

"We are excited to welcome everyone to this year's Comber Earlies Food Festival. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our local produce and the unique heritage of Comber Earlies potatoes. We look forward to seeing you there!"

Since 2012, Comber Earlies potatoes have held Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, recognising their unique taste and flavour, attributed to the micro-climate and rich soil of the Ards Peninsula and Comber areas. This prestigious status places them alongside renowned products like feta cheese, camembert, and champagne.

So come along, bring your appetite, and celebrate the best local food at the Comber Earlies Food Festival - where great flavours, good company, and fantastic entertainment await!

The Comber Earlies Food Festival is the headline event in the 'Taste Summer in Ards and North Down' programme (Wednesday, 25 June - Sunday, 6 July 2025) featuring authentic food and drink experiences at unique venues with our local food heroes!

As part of Taste Summer in Ards and North Down, local providers are hosting a variety of fabulous foodie activities across the Borough to celebrate food and drink.

Taste Summer in Ards and North Down highlights include:

27 June: Comber Earlies Showcase Dinner at No.14 Georgian House, Comber
27 June: Tastes of South Africa, at Neill Wines, Groomsport
5 & 6 July: Slow Food Weekend, No.14 at the Georgian House, Comber

For more information, see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/TasteSummer.