Tea dances promise some old fashioned fun at Garden Show Ireland

This year for the first time the Allianz Garden Show Ireland will host Tea Dances in the newly appointed Punjana Tea Pavilion proudly supported by local company Thompson Family Teas.
Pictured launching the Punjana Tea Dances at the Allianz Garden Show Ireland are three generations of the same family, Mervyn and Ann Adams with their daughter Lesley Ann and granddaughter Loretta.  Picture: Darren Kidd/Press EyePictured launching the Punjana Tea Dances at the Allianz Garden Show Ireland are three generations of the same family, Mervyn and Ann Adams with their daughter Lesley Ann and granddaughter Loretta.  Picture: Darren Kidd/Press Eye
Pictured launching the Punjana Tea Dances at the Allianz Garden Show Ireland are three generations of the same family, Mervyn and Ann Adams with their daughter Lesley Ann and granddaughter Loretta. Picture: Darren Kidd/Press Eye

Tea Dances have always been an important part of Northern Ireland¹s social scene and will be a welcome addition to the already brimming show programme at the annual event in Antrim Castle Gardens which takes place this year from May 6-8.

Ross Thompson, of Thompsons Teas, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Allianz Garden Show Ireland this year, we are celebrating 120 years in business and as a family business we love to see families come together and enjoy themselves over a cup of tea and in this instance a dance too.

“The Allianz Garden Show Ireland is Northern Ireland¹s premier annual garden event, and we are proud to be supporting it.”

If waltzing isn’t your thing then there are plenty of other events happening over the weekend for budding greenfingers young and old.

There will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about gardening by visiting one of the many creative garden visuals or taking time to explore the stunning ‘Nourishment Garden’ situated in the middle of the Show.

There will be talks on how to grow your own veg and floral arrangements for your dinner table and plenty of opportunities to meet the expert exhibitors who are happy to answer any questions.

The Show will be celebrating the NI Year of Food & Drink 2016 in style with a Food NI Pavilion which will be filled to the brim with exceptional and unusual local producers creating tasty dishes for visitors to enjoy.

As well as all the fabulous food available to purchase, throughout the weekend, local chef Paula McIntyre will be giving talks and will be joined by celebrity chef Maria Elia as well as food blogger the Rector’s Husband.

The family focused event has over the last number of years engaged with schools province wide ensuring that the Show is eagerly anticipated by all the children who take part in the Allianz supported schools challenges.

Primary Schools will be displaying their ‘Edible Container Gardens’. Allianz Scarecrow Avenue meanwhile will come alive with scarecrows created by primary schools in the integrated sector.

The 2016 Allianz Garden Show Ireland runs from May 6-8 at Antrim Castle Gardens and is open daily from 10am-6pm with parking adjacent. Admission for adults is £10 (concession £8) and the event is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.

There is a reduced rate for online booking and for more information visit www.gardenshowireland.com