Twilight Market Returns To Belfast

St George's Market is set to host its biggest and best Twilight Market yet as it joins forces with the Taste the Island initiative this November.

On November 12 and 13, the best of Northern Ireland's artisan food producers, culinary wizards and boundary-pushing chefs will showcase a menu of mouthwatering dishes and foodie delicacies through cookery demos and stalls all lit up with a sprinkle of twinkle and set off by a melodic soundtrack performed by local music artists.

Craft stalls and activities will also feature at this season's key diary date which is set to be the biggest and best yet as Taste the Island comes onboard as part of its eight-week Celebration of Food and Drink initiative.

The partnership will result in an even better gastronomic experience with more stalls and events for visitors to enjoy.

Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Deirdre Hargey is expecting visitor numbers to top last year's 20,000 mark. She said: "Twilight Market has captured people's imagination through its combination of live music, cookery demonstrations, local food and drink and quality arts and crafts, all under twinkling lights.

"Fostering business growth in the city is a key goal in our Belfast Agenda – so we're delighted to partner with Tourism NI's high profile Taste the Island initiative to attract even greater numbers of visitors, as well as Belfast residents, than ever before."

Taste the Island - A Celebration of Our Food and Drink - is a showcase of NI food and drink delivered by Tourism NI in conjunction with Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. Running from mid-September to mid-November 2019, the programme of events coincides with Northern Ireland winning 'Best Food Destination' at the International Travel and Tourism Awards 2018/19.

Councillor Hargey continued: "We know that our food and drink experiences are world class, and now we want everyone else to know too. Where better for our visitors to sample fresh quality produce, meet the producer or hear from a chef on how to use that product to great effect than at St George's – the home of food and drink in Belfast?

"Since its inception in 2015, Twilight has consistently aimed to celebrate local producers and ingredients and increase awareness of local provenance. The Twilight Market's popularity is thanks to the authentic foodie experience and welcoming, fun ambience it offers."

Gary Quate, Food and Drink Development Officer at Tourism NI added: "Tourism NI is delighted to be supporting the Taste the Island Twilight Market at the iconic St George's Market. The event is supported through Tourism NI's Taste the Island Events Scheme which aims to uplift the quality of our food and drink experiences for visitors. I would encourage everyone to attend the two day event which will showcase the best food, drink and crafts from Northern Ireland in addition to a programme of cookery demonstrations and entertainment."

BBC presenter and renowned foodie Kim Lenaghan will be putting the chefs through their paces in the demonstration kitchen. She will be welcoming Danny Millar from newly opened Stock Restaurant, Ian Orr from Browns Restaurant, Stephen Jeffers from Forestside Cookery School, Rob Curley from the Slemish Market Supper Club and Sal Hanvey of Natural Health NI – who will be dishing up vegan dishes for meat eaters!

Taste the Island autumn cocktail making demos (and the ever-popular samples) will be provided courtesy of the Cocktail Academy, and a new Shortcross Gin Bar will feature in the Twilight Lounge serving a bespoke Twilight cocktail.

Meanwhile the set list at the event will boast a line-up of top artists including Jackie Rainey who is fresh from touring with Sinead O'Connor, local duo Jukebox unplugged, and back by popular demand, the Motown Sensations will round off each night with their trademark energetic performance.

The market will take place on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November, running from 4pm – 11pm each day. Admission is free.

While this a family-friendly event, please note that due to Northern Ireland licensing laws anyone under the age of 18 must leave the premises by 9pm.