Enjoy Music and Food from Around the World at Taste the World Festival in Newcastle

With its unique fusion of food and music, Taste the World Festival is coming to Newcastle on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May. 

This is an exciting two-day event, which offers anyone with a passion for music, arts and culture a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with musicians from around the world. Guest musicians also cook a special dish from their country of origin, whilst talking about their musical journey, inspirations and influences.

Taste the World is part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s PEACE IV Blueprint Programme. Blueprint is a comprehensive ethnic minority, cultural diversity programme, supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Taste the World stems from the internationally established WOMAD Festival, held in England since 1982, which brings together artists from all over the globe. WOMAD stands for the 'World of Music, Arts and Dance'. As well as presenting and celebrating a huge array of art forms, a central aim of WOMAD’s many festivals is to promote cross-cultural awareness and tolerance.

Hosting Taste the World in Newcastle are Annie Mentor, Roger de Wolf and Patti Buada, and all three have a decade of experience managing Taste the World stages at WOMAD Festivals.   The full line-up of guest musicians is still to be confirmed but we’ll be hearing about the artists’ personal stories discovered through food, memories triggered by a particular dish, and the universal pleasures of spending time together eating, drinking and talking. Audience questions are vital and food is the conduit for the conversations.  Taste the World encounters are a fascinating opportunity to enter into the world of the artist, share their food and be part of some brilliant musical moments.

The family event begins at 10.30am each day in the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School and finishes at 5pm.  Complimenting the Taste The World stage will be fringe activities for all ages and cuisine from different parts of the world.  The event is free so come along with all the family and experience music, food and culture at its very best.

Match funding for this project has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.