The award winning LegenDerry Food Festival has established itself as the biggest annual food event in the North West, and over 30k visitors expected to flock to the city centre over the forthcoming St Patrick’s weekend.
Located in Derry’s Guildhall Square and in clear sight of the renowned Peace Bridge, the LegenDerry Food Festival is free to attend, featuring fantastic local food producers specialising in the very best local produce, with plenty of animation and fun for the kids to enjoy.
The main attraction for many this year will be Irish celebrity chef Rachel Allen, a favourite for her many TV appearances and her family friendly cook books. Rachel is a firm supporter of the LegenDerry event and she will be making her return to the Legenderry Marquee on Sunday 18th March at 1pm. The event starts at 12 mid-day and goes on to 6pm, and Rachel will be providing a great opportunity for visitors to pick up on some of the recipes that have made her a household name.
One of the best female chefs in Ireland and the UK, Rachel Allen has now opened her own restaurant in Cork, and teaches in the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School. But she still has time to make appearances on radio, television, write over a dozen cookery books and bring up three children.
Speaking ahead of her appearance at the LegenDerry Food Festival, Rachel said she was delighted to make a return to the city after such a warm welcome on her first visit. “When I was asked if I would demonstrate at this year’s event, I jumped at the chance! This is such a great food festival as it provides an opportunity to showcase local produce as well as local new talent who may not be as well known yet. It gives them a springboard into the public arena which they may not otherwise secure.
“The location is continually developing and is turning into such a vibrant hub for tourists and industry. The food industry is expanding very quickly as we are now starting to realise the importance of eating well and just feeling better about ourselves, that’s what I aim to bring to the LegenDerry Food Festival event.
“I will be providing two demonstrations for the public to experience the importance of eating local produce and just how simple I keep my recipes for everyone to enjoy. I will be giving hints and tips on what to look out for when cooking that all important meal and on following a simple recipe guide. I am looking forward to being there on the Sunday afternoon of the St Patrick’s weekend, as the audience will be amazing.”
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said the Legenderry Food Festival would be a major highlight of the Spring Carnival programme. “What’s great about the Spring Carnival is that the programme features something for everyone and the Legenderry Food Festival is a great draw for visitors. I am delighted to welcome Rachel Allen back to the city and to see someone of her calibre in the food industry acting as an ambassador for the event. It’s a real testament to the growing profile of the North West as an exciting and vibrant food destination.”
The LegenDerry Food Festival is part of the wider Spring Festival programme of events for Derry and Strabane District Council. Detail on the programme and a list of food producers and entertainment on offer over the two days is available on
www.derrystrabane.com/food The LegenDerry programme is supported by Tourism NI and DAERA’s NI Regional Food Programme and organised by Derry and Strabane District Council.