Demo and Dine 2025

Sponsorship Opportunity for Demo and Dine 2025

Ards and North Down Borough Council invites Expressions of Interest from any business based in the Borough who is specifically involved in the production or supply of local food or drinks, or a company or organisation who provides training/education opportunities for young people within the food, drink or hospitality sector to sponsor the 2025 Demo and Dine event.

Applicants must meet the Eligibility Criteria detailed in the Council's Advertising and Sponsorship Policy which can be found here.

 Advertising and Sponsorship Policy (PDF, 188 KB) (opens new window).

What is Demo and Dine?   

As part of the Council's annual Taste Autumn programme, the Demo and Dine event is held in Portavogie and is a completely unique culinary experience.  Hosted in the Fish Market in Portavogie harbour, this memorable evening delivers both celebrity entertainment and exceptional local food, in an unusual location. For one evening, the venue is transformed into a fine dining restaurant and 80 places are available for guests to attend and enjoy this experience.

Each year, the Council enlists the help of a celebrity Chef  - previous guests have included Theo Randall, Paula McIntyre and most recently Rachael Allen.  The Chef will spend a full day at the South Eastern Regional College, Bangor Campus with a group of around 10 students who benefit hugely from this very special opportunity to spend time with, and learn from, a highly experienced, professional chef. 

The following day, these students will come to Portavogie to prepare a 5-course menu with the support of the Chef, in a specially created kitchen at the Fish Market. In addition, the Chef will deliver a live, interactive demonstration to guests, preparing one of the dishes being served that evening.

A table and drink service is also delivered by SERC hospitality students, who on some occasions are experiencing their first 'live' service.  For the last three years, there have been spontaneous standing ovations for all the students.  The entire experience guarantees a top-class night out with high quality food, showcasing the best local produce while delivering an empowering and enriching experience for young people who are considering a career in hospitality.  

The Opportunity

This Demo and Dine event is a fabulous opportunity for an organisation or business to entertain clients with a memorable,  fine dining experience in a totally unique atmosphere and setting.  But not just that.  By working with Council as the event sponsor, the business will crucially be supporting and encouraging the local hospitality training industry, and helping Council to continue to develop a recognised and vibrant Food and Drink sector within the Borough. 

The Package

• Logo on all tickets
• Social media posts
• Extensively promoted as part of Taste Autumn campaign
• Press articles pre and post event
• Branding at venue
• Branding on TV screens used to show the live demonstration
• Branding on the students' aprons
• Branding on the Chef's apron
• Product placement/branding on 10 dining tables
• Corporate gifts if so wished can be placed on tables
• Photo opportunity with the Chef (during prep at SERC in build up to the event, or at launch stage on the evening)
• Logo on taster sample pots
• Complimentary table of 8 for sponsor and guests
• An opportunity to speak following the meal to thank students etc. 

Cost

Bids will be accepted for this event starting at £6000.

Criteria and Application Form 

An application form to apply to bid to sponsor this unique event can be downloaded here.

Demo and Dine Sponsorship Opportunity (Word doc, 58 KB) (opens new window)

As mentioned, the applicant must meet the Eligibility Criteria laid out in Council's Advertising and Sponsorship Policy.  In addition, the applicant must also:

• Be a food or drink producer or food or drink retailer who promotes and sells food and drink. 

Or

• Be a company or organisation who provides training and educational opportunities for young people within the food, drink or hospitality sector.

In addition to completing the form, we would ask applicants to explain why they feel they are best suited to support this event and the added value they can offer, in no more than 500 words.  

The assessment process will be carried out by officers from the Events Team and applications will be scored as follows:

60% - Sponsorship fee / cost. 

10% - Producers and / or companies based within the Borough. 

30% - Value added to the event and or Borough, in addition to the minimum sponsorship fee.

The successful applicant will be notified and invited to a meeting to discuss the event in more detail and complete the contract. 

Closing Date

The closing date for completed applications is 4pm Friday 16 May 2025. 

Please note that any request for clarification should be received by Friday 9 May 2025.  Requests for clarification or to receive the forms by email, please email sponsorship@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk