This evening sees the start of the Kerrygold Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine 2014. This year’s full weekend programme is even bigger than last year’s inaugural festival. Many a famous name from the gourmet world – wirters, bloggers, celebrity chefs, tv presenters, food journalists and wine and drink experts will gather at Ballymaloe House for a weekend which highlights all that is good and topical in food and drink. The full bookable events programme can be seen on this link. For those who just want to turn up and enjoy the crowds and the buzz, the Fringe Festival and Big Shed is the happening place. As the Litfest team say ‘the red hot chill out spot. The place to expect the unexpected.’ To compliment the formal talks, lunches, dinners and demos in the main programme, The Big Shed has a relaxed feel, with music, food, fun, lots of activities for kids, gardening, crafts, and probably a few famous faces dropping by. For those who haven’t booked for a main event at the house or Ballymaloe Cookery School, entry into the Litfest Festival is €5.00 per day, with most of the free events taking place in The Big Shed. Darina Allen and her team welcome everyone this evening at 7.30pm for the opening party of the weekend in The Big Shed – Ivan’s Restaurant will be open from 7.30pm till 10pm. Hop, skip and jump down to Ballymaloe this weekend. For food lovers, a weekend not to be missed.