The Comber Earlies Food Festival returns to Comber on Saturday 20 June, with gates open from 11am to 5pm. The event forms the centrepiece of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme, which runs from 17 to 28 June 2026.

Northern Irish cook Nathan Anthony, creator of the Bored of Lunch food platform, will lead live cookery demonstrations. He has released six cookbooks, each reaching number one on the Sunday Times bestseller list, and has built a social media following of more than five million users.

Visitors can also browse an artisan food and drink market and listen to live music. Activities for children include crafts, planting, sensory play and potato-themed experiences. A vintage tractor display, walkabout performers and interactive workshops are also planned.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, described the festival as a showcase for local food and talent. He said Mr Anthony’s presence added to the programme.

Free shuttle buses will run to Comber from Bangor, Newtownards, Dundonald, Downpatrick, Crossgar, Saintfield and Ballygowan. No advance booking is required; seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The festival receives funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. It celebrates the Comber Earlies potato, a crop with Protected Geographical Indication status.