Experience vegan business, culture and food under one roof.
In celebration of world vegan day coming up, the first ever Vegfest is taking place at the F2 Centre at Reuben Plaza, Rialto, in Dublin 8 this Sunday, November 1. The festival offers a wide range of vegan products, information about the lifestyle as well as performances and workshops throughout the day.
VEGANS ON THE RISE
“Not long ago, people said that Ireland was not ready for veganism. Well, it is now,” said Vegan Ireland press officer, Dr. Roger Yates and explains the growth of vegan groups all over the country: “A recent survey by Vegan Ireland showed that vegans were catered for in all 32 counties. We see this as a huge step forward towards making veganism a mainstream movement and philosophy.” Vegan Ireland’s Book Club, which is held bi-monthly at the Cornucopia Wholefoods Restaurant in Dublin, is becoming more popular than ever, giving vegans a place to exchange recipes and thoughts on and around their lifestyle. The change in lifestyle has become more accepted resulting in major coffee companies offering alternatives to dairy products or small food-markets like the Dublin Food-Cooperation, who are also selling a wide range in vegan alternatives in dairy and meat.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The Vegfest is the ideal place for everyone who wants to know more about the vegan lifestyle and grab a few samples of cruelty free products. Besides the food stalls, the Vegfest offers classes with vegan athletes like Ireland’s first qualified Jivamukti yoga teacher Lee Tracey who trained with gurus and founder of the Jivamukti method Sharon Gannon and David Life. There will also be pole dancing classes available with two-time Irish National Solo Champion Terri Fierce as well as several personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and nutritional advisors. Electric-playing cartoon pig “Pig Freud” will be performing a live solo at the Vegfest in support of grassroots regional vegan education projects. Plus live demos will be held regarding the delicacies of raw food and Tim Barford will show the audience how to create the perfect and healthy smoothie recipe.
Dublin’s animal rights group “National Animal Rights Assocition” which was founded back in 2007, will present their current campaigns and provide information tables and talks about actions for animals in Ireland. Member and activist Laura Broxon will be there to answer questions about the fur industry as well as several other animal based discussions.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
There will be free goodie bags available for the first 50 visitors. The event starts at 11 am this Sunday and is set to finish around 5 pm. Tickets for the day cost €8 online and €10 at the door. Free for Kids under the age of 12.
To find out more about Dublin’s first Vegfest log on to Facebook or visit their homepage: www.dublinvegfest.com
