It's going to be an extraordinary week in East Cork for FEAST festival

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Beatrice Hammond, and I am the Business Development Manager for The Emporium Company, with four dynamic venues across Cork: Mabel Lane in Carrigaline, Tradehouse Central in Ballincollig, JJ Coppingers in Midleton, and The Castle in Glanmire.

I have a deep passion for events and have had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, from high-profile events for Chanel and Max Mara to engaging with sports personalities, ambassadors, and wide range of international festivals.

I am delighted to be part of The Emporium Company, where the variety and versatility of our venues allow us to create unique experiences tailored to every taste.

My enthusiasm for events has taken me around the globe, where I relish the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, languages, and music.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I consider myself an adventurous and creative individual, with a love for sports, art, and exploration.

Where were you born?

Born in Limerick

Where do you live?

I now live in Cork which definitely makes the hurling matches more fun!

Family?

I am so blessed with my family. My brother and I always joke that we are Irish twins. My wonderful mother and stepdad and my two lovely step sisters. No Cinderella story here!

Best friend?

Oh that’s a tough one, having lived in so many different parts of the world I have a lot of best friends in different countries, I love them all.

Earliest childhood memory?

My earliest childhood memory is sitting up on the family donkey, I progressed to horses once I could walk and have loved it ever since.

Person you most admire?

I most admire my brother, a truly incredible person. Even though he is the younger sibling I look up to him. He risked everything to follow his dream. 

Leaving Ireland to go travelling a year ago with 3,000 Instagram followers and he now has over 320,000. Inspiring people from all over the world, @seanhammonds go follow!!

Where was your most memorable holiday?

South Africa. I went to South Africa while I was writing my dissertation for Event Management and it inspired my whole project. The similarities between two indigenous cultures in SA and Ireland, whilst being quite literally worlds apart, led to my creation of a multi media event on diversity and inclusion posited at an International Irish Festival.

Favourite TV programme?

It often depends on my mood but at the moment it’s Outlander. Having been to an all Irish school I find the similarities and differences between Scottish Gaelic and Gaeilge so interesting.

Favourite radio show?

Jazz Alley on RTÉ lyric FM, I always love the Cork Jazz Festival. Keep an eye on our four venues at The Emporium Company for our line up during Jazz Weekend in October.

Favourite restaurant?

Hard to pick just one. I love food, particularly international fusion dishes. I love pop ups as you can experience different foods in local venues. Talk about bringing your passion to work, we hosted a Pop Up Supper Club in JJ Coppingers to great acclaim and sold out in 24 hours for our Kitchen Takeover in Mabel Lane so it seems the people of Cork are also foodies!

Last book you read?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Best book you read?

Noughts and Crosses. Wow what a riveting trilogy, I read it as a teenager and it has stayed with me ever since.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Sinéad O’Connor, we used to listen to her CDs all the time as children. She is such an icon and her music is just amazing.

Favourite song?

I always have new favourites but at the moment it’s, The Sound of Silence Cyril Remix.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would love to see The Wolfe Tones, wherever I’ve lived I always feel the most homesick on Paddy’s Day and their songs always make me feel like I’m home. It would be incredible to get them in concert at The Castle Glanmire.

Do you have a pet?

I rescued the most loveable little dog from the animal shelter, BB King.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m not usually one for astrology but I think being a Gemini encompasses the two sides of me. 

I am very organised and pro-active in the mornings but I also love to let my hair down and dance the night away!

Your proudest moment?

One of them would be learning to ride side saddle for a short film. I went in way too confident side saddle is a different game, trying to balance on one side with a bucking horse is no joke! It gave me such appreciation and admiration for all the women who have overcome obstacles to achieve equity in the modern world.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I’m lucky to have the Ballincollig Gun Powder Mills on my doorstep. It’s so beautiful and is Ireland’s largest and most important industrial archaeological site.

The name Tradehouse Central was actually inspired by the history of the gunpowder mills. I would love to see some pop up events in the Powder Mills utilising the resources and bringing the community together. Halloween isn’t far away…it could be the perfect occasion to get the ball rolling.

What makes you happy?

Galloping horseback on the beach, best feeling in the world.

How would you like to be remembered?

Beatrice means, “bringer of joy” so there would be a certain synergy to being remembered like that.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I am delighted to be on the committee for FEAST, The East Cork Food & Drink Festival, which is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for an extraordinary week!

Running from September 3 to 8 in the heart of Midleton, FEAST promises a week-long celebration of East Cork’s rich food and drink culture. This year’s festival is packed with exciting events that cater to all tastes, including live music, fashion shows, and a family fun zone.

The programme also features Quiz Nights, Cocktail Demonstrations, Storytelling, Long Table Dinners, and much more.

The highlight of the festival will be the main event on Sunday, September 8, when the main street of Midleton comes alive with over 70 vendors offering a diverse range of culinary delights. There’s truly something for everyone.

New this year is the Family Fun Zone on the Fair Green, where families can enjoy an interactive mini-zoo, healthy eating workshops by the Cool Food School, and games like Giant Jenga and Lego.

Additionally, the Fabulous Food Treasure Trail, and don’t miss the Fashion Shows in the square at 12pm and 3pm.

For more details and updates, visit our website at https://feastcork.ie/ and follow us on social media.