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Date: 20 Aug 2024
Category: Things to do
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30 years of partnership between Belfast and Nashville is being celebrated with a Sister Cities cultural fusion festival of food and music this weekend.
Belfast and Nashville are commemorating 30 years of a Sister City partnership with a vibrant festival of culture, food and music in Belfast. Established in 1994, the partnership between the two cities has grown into a remarkable fusion of traditions, creating a unique bridge connecting their shared heritage.
To mark the Sister Cities milestone, Nashville 2 Belfast will showcase the flavours and sounds of Nashville in Belfast. The exchange of culinary practices between Belfast and Nashville has enabled chefs from both cities to showcase their talents, deepening the appreciation of each other’s culinary traditions. This weekend festival of events is set to tantalise the taste buds, while fostering deeper cultural connections. The bond between Belfast and Nashville is further strengthened through music, a universal language that resonates into the very soul of both cities. Belfast’s rich musical heritage, spanning traditional folk to contemporary rock, finds a kindred spirit in Nashville, the world’s capital of country music.
Nashville 2 Belfast celebrations commence with a civic reception at Belfast City Hall on Thursday August 22, hosted by Belfast’s Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray, recognising the enduring transatlantic bond.
On Friday August 23, a Nashville-style gala dinner and cabaret in The Culloden Estate and Spa will encourage guests to discover the rhythm of Nashville and the charm of Belfast as they come together in a fusion of flavours and sounds. Guests will enjoy authentic Southern dishes while being serenaded by Ginger Newman, Jill Andrews and The Nashville Tenors.
Saturday August 24 will bring a day of family friendly activities at St Comgall's, beginning with a musical workshop led by singer songwriter Jill Andrews, aimed at children keen to hone their musical talents. Throughout Saturday, the world-renowned Monell’s Restaurant, direct from Nashville, will be serving a pop-up menu including Southern-style fried chicken and more, from breakfast through to dinner. Monell’s will also serve brunch on Sunday August 25 at St Comgall’s.
McConnell’s Distillery at Crumlin Road Gaol will be the setting for an intimate gig with Jill Andrews on Saturday evening. Guests will be treated to a welcome beverage and Nashville-style dessert before being entertained by Jill and her friends.
Nashville 2 Belfast is spearheaded by restaurateur and entrepreneur Michael King, whose passion for cultural exchange has been instrumental in fostering this Sister City relationship. Speaking ahead of the festival, Michael said: “I’m extremely proud to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sister City bond between Nashville and Belfast. By bringing together chefs, artists and cultural ambassadors, we’re honouring our rich heritage and laying the foundation for future cross-Atlantic collaborations. This celebration is a testament to the power of international friendship and co-operation.”
For more information and to purchase tickets to the various Nashville 2 Belfast events on 23 and 24 August, please visit www.nashvilleto.com