Aldi

Last year, it was the Aldi cowboy hats that had everyone talking so this year, we’re curious what the supermarket has in store for us. For anyone that line-danced their way through last year’s event, you’ll be happy to hear that Irish country music sensation Mike Denver is back to keep the crowds entertained along with TV and radio personality Síle Seioge.

Síle will be hosting the hotly contested National Brown Bread Baking Competition, in association with the Irish Country Women’s Association and National Ploughing Association. The smell of that freshly baked bread is sure to tempt visitors but don’t worry, everyone will get a taste as the winner will have their brown bread stocked on Aldi shelves shortly after the event.

Young bakers will also be showcasing their skills at the National Junior Baking Competition, in association with Foróige and the National Ploughing Association. The theme this year is Lemon Drizzle Cake, and the winning cake will also be stocked on Aldi shelves nationwide.

Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of famous faces. TV3’s Ireland AM, the Elaine Show and the Six O’Clock Show will all be broadcast live from the Aldi tent. On top of that, visitors will include rugby legend Paul O’Connell, former Irish Goalie Packie Bonner, Dancing with the Stars professional Karen Byrne as well as members of the Irish Women’s Rugby Team. Add in cookery demonstrations and tasters from Aldi’s suppliers and you could find yourself camped out there all day.

Lidl

Country music fans won’t know where to turn because Derek Ryan will be on the Lidl stand. The fact that Dáithí Ó Sé will be the official MC means there is sure to be a good bit of craic throughout the three days. On top of that, Clodagh McKenna will be doing cookery demonstrations on the Tuesday while Paul Flynn from the Tannery in Dungarvan will be taking over the flames on Wednesday and Thursday.

There will be a real focus on Lidl’s Kick Start Suppliers. Earlier this year, Lidl called out to Irish food and drink suppliers across the country to apply to their brand new Supplier Development Programme, Kick Start, a programme designed to give small suppliers the chance to supply Lidl with a guaranteed volume of their products for a limited edition Best of Ireland food promotion in September 2017. Lidl selected more than 70 of Ireland’s best products which will be available in all 153 stores throughout the Republic of Ireland from Monday 11 September. Visitors get the chance to sample some of their locally sourced produce.

In a bit of handy news, if you are attending the event with kids, Lidl have baby changing facilities as well as a children’s play area if you need some time to let them unwind.

Tesco

Its all about farming families in the Tesco stand. Tesco supports more than 13,000 Irish farming families who supply the best in-season produce to Irish stores on a year-round basis. With a focus on their finest* quality offering this year, Ploughing-goers will have the opportunity to chat to several of their Irish own-brand family suppliers on site, including O’Brien’s Fine Foods, Co Kildare; Keelings, Co Dublin, Kerrigan’s Mushrooms, Co Meath; and Stapleton’s Bakery, Co Tipperary.

On top of that, Tesco will be showcasing its 100% fresh Irish meat pledge with a focus on its finest* certified Irish Angus beef offering. At key times throughout the busy three-day festival, visitors to the experience tent will have the opportunity to sample specially prepared prime Irish Angus beef along with samples of finest* rooster potatoes, breads, piccolo tomatoes and berries.

There is also the chance to win a €3,000 Irish Angus bull.