River to Lough Festival returns to Toome

The River to Lough Festival is back promising a festival of fun for the August bank holiday weekend in Toome with the chance to taste the world renowned Lough Neagh eel.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Aug 2015, 11:05 BST
Getting a sneak peak of the River to Lough Festival which runs on Saturday, August 29 at the eel fishery in Toome are Cllr Linda Dillon of Mid Ulster Council; Eimear Kearney, Lough Neagh Partnership; Louise Millsopp, DARD; Michael Browne, Mid Ulster Council; Pat Close, Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative; Eddie Rowan, Tourism NI and Cathy Chauhan of Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative.Getting a sneak peak of the River to Lough Festival which runs on Saturday, August 29 at the eel fishery in Toome are Cllr Linda Dillon of Mid Ulster Council; Eimear Kearney, Lough Neagh Partnership; Louise Millsopp, DARD; Michael Browne, Mid Ulster Council; Pat Close, Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative; Eddie Rowan, Tourism NI and Cathy Chauhan of Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative.
Getting a sneak peak of the River to Lough Festival which runs on Saturday, August 29 at the eel fishery in Toome are Cllr Linda Dillon of Mid Ulster Council; Eimear Kearney, Lough Neagh Partnership; Louise Millsopp, DARD; Michael Browne, Mid Ulster Council; Pat Close, Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative; Eddie Rowan, Tourism NI and Cathy Chauhan of Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative.

The Eel Fishery opens its doors to the public for the second year on Saturday, August 29 from 12 noon to 5pm to showcase the Lough Neagh eel fishing industry.  

The inaugural River to Lough Festival last year drew thousands from across the area and beyond to taste the world famous delicacy and this year’s flagship festival event will see fishermen tell stories of the history and heritage on the lough while festival-goers sample Lough Neagh eel.

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Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “The River to Lough Festival promises heritage, culture, history, fun and most importantly, a chance to taste the world renowned Lough Neagh eel.

“We are confident based on last year’s event that this will truly offer something for all the family to enjoy.”

Northern Ireland born award-winning food writer and television presenter James McIntosh will be hosting cookery demonstrations and there will be an opportunity to browse the eel exhibition, take a tour of the factory and shop at the artisan food and craft stalls. 

Traditional boat displays will feature and live music will provide background music throughout the day. 

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James will be joined to demonstrate eel cooking by BBC Radio Ulster’s Paula McIntyre, David Gilmore of James Street South and Eddie Attwell of Ard Tara. 

New to the festival this year is the Taste & Dine pop-up restaurant, serving a traditional eel supper from 12 noon to 4pm. 

River to Lough Festival has been made possible by Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative, Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council, Tourism NI and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s NI Regional Food Programme.

Tickets can be purchased online with early bird rates available at www.rivertolough.co.uk 

Booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.