Local businesses set to Bloom this June bank holiday

Two South Westmeath businesses are lined up to take part in Bloom, the hugely successful gardening, food and family festival, which takes place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin this June Bank Holiday weekend. The popular event, which is now in its sixth year, attracted more than 90,000 people last year. Bloom 2012 will run over five days, from Thursday, May 31 to Monday, June 4, on a 70-acre site at the Visitors Centre in Dublin's Phoenix Park. The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins will officially open Bloom on Thursday in his first appearance as Bloom Patron. This year, both Kilbegan Organic Foods and Meadowsweet Apiaries from Athlone will be on display in the Artisan Market This year's event will also offer expanded walking space in which to enjoy the spectacular show gardens, food and family features. The Bloom 2012 gardens range from veteran Bloom garden designer Fiann O'Nuallain's "Stream of Consciousness" garden which will include dramatic water features, lighting and a host of performers throughout the event, to new garden designer, Kate Kurevleva from Bray, Co. Wicklow who is creating a traditional Japanese garden featuring Irish moss. For food lovers, Bord Bia is building on the success of the popular Food Village which was introduced last year, with an even bigger showcase planned for 2012. Built around a central dining area, the Bord Bia Food Village will bring together all aspects of the food chain into one place where visitors can learn more about food and its origin by paying a visit to the Bloom Farmyard, in association with Agri-Aware. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase a wide range of top quality food including: fresh Bord Bia Quality Assured produce at the Meat, Poultry & Fish Marquee and "Best in Season" fresh produce market; the finest artisan foods Ireland has to offer at the Artisan Food Market and Artisan Caterers Street Food stalls; and complimenting the wonderful food, the popular "Bloom Inn" will be offering craft beers and whiskey. At the centre of the Bord Bia Food Village, the Chef's Summer Kitchen will host live cooking demonstrations from some of Ireland's much loved chefs such as Neven Maguire, Catherine Fulvio, Donal Skehan and Rozanne Stevens. The events will be hosted by TV presenter and foodie, Ella McSweeney who will also interview Irish food producers throughout the weekend. Tickets are on sale now starting at €15 and children go free! Intending visitors are encouraged to book early for discounted rates by visiting www.bloominthepark.com. You can follow Bloom 2012 on www.facebook.com/bloominthepark and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #Bloom2012