Flowers And Food For Botanic

There'll be flowers and food on offer at Belfast's Botanic Gardens next month as the seventh annual 'Garden Gourmet' extravaganza takes place.

Over a packed weekend in September, special guest celebrity chefs, Nick Nairn and Paul Rankin will be sharing the 'secrets of their kitchens' in a pair of special masterclasses while, earlier that day, the pair will be taking part in the first ever 'Market Fusion' event at St. George's Market, when they will be combining their distinctive culinary talents to produce a unique menu from the finest market produce.

However, the colourful centrepiece of 'Garden Gourmet' is Belfast City Council's Autumn Flower Show, the biggest in the Province.

Now in its 27th year, it will see displays of thousands of colourful prize blooms, alongside exhibits of amazing monster-size vegetables and other delights from local gardens, allotments, greenhouses, wine cellars and bee hives.

There also will be an opportunity to sample an extensive menu of delicious local produce, as well as food from around the world to tease and excite those taste buds.

Northern Ireland Seafood will also be hosting cookery demonstrations, with local chef, Virginia Convery - who launched the event at the Palm House in Botanic Gardens today sharing tips, secrets and recipe ideas.

It's a weekend of entertainment for all ages too, including Punch and Judy, a magic show, giant puppets, face painting, a climbing wall and live bands.

For those wishing to experience nature at first hand you can experience a rare expedition through the depths of the unique Tropical Ravine.

Part of the second Belfast Food and Drink Festival, 'Garden Gourmet' takes place at Botanic Gardens, Belfast, on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September.

(BMcC)