With just eight weeks to go, Bord Bia has today announced the final line-up for this year’s Bloom festival, and there is plenty to celebrate. With a host of new features, expert talks and immersive experiences taking place, Bord Bia Bloom’s landmark 20th year promises five unforgettable days in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Along with returning favourites Diarmuid Gavin, Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Adam Frost and Trisha Lewis; Bloom will welcome Chef Eva Pau, TV presenters Harrison Gardner and Brendan Courtney and wellness experts Oonagh O’Hagan, Gerry Hussey and Laura Dowling among the expert speakers on five action-packed stages.
What’s on at Bord Bia Bloom
Community, wellbeing, and connecting to nature are the key themes of this year’s festival and the golden thread across the event programme. Along with 20 spectacular Show Gardens, a new wellness area, and experiences that celebrate gardening, quality food and drink and sustainable living, there is something to suit everyone. With more than 300 talks and demonstrations taking place throughout the festival across five stages, Bord Bia Bloom provides attendees with countless opportunities to grow, taste and learn.
The Garden Stage sponsored by Sunrise will host more than 30 talks from leading horticultural experts such as Diarmuid Gavin, Adam Frost (BBC Gardener’s World), TJ Maher (Patthana Gardens), Peter Dowdall (The Irish Gardener), Ealma Purcell (The Poppy Garden), Jimi Blake (Huntingbrook Gardens), Niall McAuley (Niall Gardens), Harrison Gardner (TV Presenter & Eco-Builder) and Marie Staunton. Presenters David Maxwell (BBC Radio Ulster ‘Gardener’s Corner’), Kitty Scully (RTÉ 1’s Homegrown) and award-winning designer and columnist Leonie Cornelius will MC the lively discussions over the festival.
The Dunnes Stores Quality Kitchen Stage will play host to some of Ireland’s top chefs and cooks. Among those showcasing the best of Irish, seasonal produce in 25 live cookery demonstrations will be chefs Eva Pau, Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Rory O’Connell, Catherine Fulvio, Shane Smith, Aisling Larkin, Edward Hayden, and Brian McDermott. Trisha Lewis will return at the helm of the Seafood Kitchen sharing tasty seafood recipes for all to enjoy.
The Sustainable Living Stage, sponsored by Certa (official supplier of HVO to Bloom) will see returning MCs, journalists Jo Linehan, Caroline Hennessy, Aoife Carrigy and Suzanne Campbell host a series of talks and panel discussions along with advice from some of Ireland’s environmental and conservation groups exhibiting in the Conservation Zone. Mick Kelly, Feebee Foran, Katrina Carroll, and Ruth Hegarty will be among the special guests.
In its landmark 20th year, the festival is also introducing the Meaghers 360 Health and Wellness Area sponsored by Meaghers Pharmacy. Focused on wellbeing from head to toe, daily expert panel sessions will cover topics such as hormone health, gut health, and the benefits of movement for longevity, alongside breathwork and movement classes. Meaghers’ founder Oonagh O’Hagan, and experts Mark Fennell, Gerry Hussey, Miriam Hussey, and Laura Dowling are among the exciting line-up.
Food Glorious Food
There is much to tantalise tastebuds at this year’s festival, with three indoor restaurants and three buzzing outdoor catering areas serving Bord Bia Quality Assured produce, along with the Food Village which features +100 of Ireland’s best artisanal food and drink producers.
‘A Taste of Bloom, curated by Neven Maguire’ is returning to this year’s festival in the flagship Garden View Restaurant, featuring a three-course menu showcasing some of the finest ingredients from quality Irish producers. Much of the produce selected will be on display in the Food Village at Bloom, providing attendees with an opportunity to meet the producers after their meal and purchase ingredients to enjoy at home. The ‘Taste of Bloom’ package is available to purchase on Ticketmaster.
Speaking about the announcement, Laura Douglas, Head of Bloom and Brand Partnerships, Bord Bia said “It is incredibly exciting to mark Bord Bia Bloom’s 20th year, and we have a brilliant programme planned to wow attendees. From cutting-edge garden design and polytunnel talks, to live cookery demonstrations, sustainable fashion tips, yoga classes and much more there truly is no other festival quite like Bloom.
We are well underway preparing our 70-acre site in the Phoenix Park to welcome visitors once again, and we encourage people to secure tickets in advance so they can fully soak up everything the Bloom bank holiday weekend has to offer.”
Fun for all the family
For younger attendees, there’s plenty to enjoy too, with a range of fun, educational and interactive workshops at the Budding Bloomers area, sponsored by the Road Safety Authority. This vibrant space is packed with engaging hands-on activities – from the much-loved Planting Patch with Paddy Courtney to face painting and creative arts and crafts. Children can also try their hand at traditional willow weaving with Westcountry Willows or unwind with a pop-up library from Dublin City Libraries.
Additionally, the RTÉ Stage will provide entertainment throughout the festival, featuring a variety of its most-loved programming and live musical performances to keep attendees of all ages abuzz!
More to come
In the coming weeks, organisers will unveil the final designs for this year’s 20 spectacular Show Gardens, created by leading Irish and international garden designers. Other horticultural highlights will include 14 new Postcard Gardens, supported by Tirlán Country Life and brought to life by community groups from across the country, a vibrant Nursery Village featuring colourful displays from 17 nurseries and floral exhibitors, as well as a wealth of engaging gardening content for visitors to enjoy.
Tickets
Bord Bia Bloom will take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin from Thursday, May 28th to Monday, June 1st from 9am-6pm each day. Head to bordbiabloom.com to book your tickets and start planning your visit.
Tickets are priced at €35 per adult, €30 for concessions (plus booking fee). Up to two children aged 16 and under can enter for free with every adult ticket (additional child tickets €5 (plus booking fee)) making Bloom a great day out for all the family.
Media Accreditation
Media accreditation is now open for this year’s event, and interested parties are encouraged to register for passes here.