The Comber Earlies Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of Northern Ireland's culinary heritage, centered around the world-renowned Comber Earlies potato, a variety granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for its unique taste and cultivation methods. Held annually in Comber Town Centre on the last Saturday of June (June 28, 2025), the event honors a potato variety rooted in local history while showcasing the broader culinary richness of Ards and North Down. This region, known for farm-to-table excellence, produces treasures like Portavogie prawns, Strangford Lough oysters, and grass-fed County Down beef, all highlighted alongside the festival's namesake spud.
The festival traces its origins to efforts reviving interest in Comber Earlies, whose limited production-fewer than 20 farms still cultivate them-threatens their tradition. By uniting chefs, producers, and the community, the event underscores the potato's cultural significance and the broader agricultural identity of the area. Visitors can witness live demonstrations by renowned chefs like Rachel Allen, who reinterpret the potato in innovative dishes, while the Food Producers' Stage features discussions with local "food heroes". Artisan markets overflow with regional specialties, from handcrafted cheeses to preserves, alongside locally brewed ales like the "It's Never Too Early" pale ale by McBride's and Modest breweries.
Families immerse themselves in activities ranging from tractor rides and sensory play to a "golden spud" treasure hunt offering small prizes. The festival's sustainability ethos is woven into every detail, from encouraging reusable containers to on-site recycling stations, reflecting a commitment to preserving both taste and tradition. A highlight is the "Comber Earlies Passport", a free guide offering discounts at 13 local businesses, incentivizing exploration beyond the event. The day unfolds with live music, crafts, and even street theatre featuring whimsical tomato-themed performances, ensuring an atmosphere as lively as it is flavorful.
Best experienced on the main festival day, the event also coincides with a broader "Taste Summer" series (June 25-July 6, 2025), inviting visitors to extend their stay and discover nearby culinary gems like Copeland or Echlinville gin distilleries. A free shuttle service from regional towns underscores accessibility, while the festival's closure of Comber's Bridge Street Link ensures a pedestrian-friendly experience. Beyond indulging in food, guests contribute to sustaining a legacy-one spud, sip, and craft activity at a time.
Getting There
Parking
Visitors to the Comber Earlies Food Festival will find free parking available across several designated areas, though the Comber Leisure Centre car park is closed from Thursday until its reopening at 11am Sunday. Here's a breakdown of options:
Parking Facilities
- Second Presbyterian Church (Killinchy Street): Offers free parking with a 15-minute walk to the festival site.
- First Comber Church (High Street): Provides free parking just a 10-minute stroll from the entrance.
- Nendrum College (Saturday only): Free parking here requires a 20-minute walk to the event.
Accessibility
Limited disabled parking is available directly opposite the venue, beside the toilets on Bridge Street.
Street Parking & Restrictions
- Parking on nearby streets is permitted but restricted to residents only after 7pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Bridge Street will be closed to traffic from 11am Saturday, so plan routes accordingly.
Shuttle Buses
Free return shuttles operate from Bangor, Newtownards, Dundonald, and surrounding areas. Three routes are available, with a full timetable accessible on the festival's website. These buses are ideal during peak times when parking fills quickly.
Key Notes
- No fees or payment methods are required for parking.
- Arrive early on busy days to secure spots at the churches or Nendrum College, as these areas may reach capacity.
Pricing
Though admission is free, some optional food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops may incur small charges, typically ranging from €2 to €5 (approximately $2.17-$5.42 USD) per activity. These additional costs allow visitors to dive deeper into specific culinary experiences offered by vendors and chefs.
No season passes or multi-attraction tickets are currently available for the festival. However, since entry is always free, there are no restrictions on repeat visits during the event's duration.
Payment methods at participating stalls and vendors include both cash (euros) and major credit/debit cards. It's advisable to check with individual vendors for their specific payment preferences, though most accept both options.
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