Business

Moira music festival will put Northern Ireland food and drink at its heart

A NEW music festival in Co Armagh aims to put Northern Ireland's best food and drink at the heart of the event.

Moira Calling is taking place at Moira Demesne next month.

The festival is the brainchild of new firm Brown Lemonade, and could be the first of many of its kind.

Olwyn Ferguson from the company said it follows on from the success of the All the Little Lights evenings at her Moira cafe The Fat Gherkin.

And while music may be the inspiration behind the event, local food and drink is of paramount importance to organisers.

Mrs Ferguson said: "We started the Fat Gherkin five years ago and over the past year we've also been involved with Brown Lemondade.

"We have live music nights and the local element is always very important to us."

It is thought the festival will be one of the largest of its kind not to rely on a major food or drinks sponsor.

Brands available at the event will include drinks from breweries including Famageddon, Mourne Mountain Brewery and McIvor's Cider.

And the food is local too to include Street Dogs, General Merchants among others.

Mrs Ferguson added: "We will operate the bar on a rotating basis which means each brand will have a slot and then it'll be rotated to another.

"It will give people the opportunity to try out the different brands but there will always be the choice between beer, cider or soft drinks."

As for the music, there'll be 14 acts across two stages featuring Hudson Taylor, Ex Magician, David C Clements and others.

Jillian Marsden from Brown Lemonade added: "Anyone familiar with Brown Lemonade NI will know that over the past 12 months we have worked tirelessly and passionately to give a stage to some of Northern Ireland's most talented and interesting musical talents.

"The second stage will emulate these nights but recreate the cosy, intimate feel of our 'All The Little Lights Nights' and present some of our veteran performers but also introduce some new artists who we are really excited about.”

Moira Calling takes place on September 10 with tickets now available.