Bon appetite! Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli for Clipper Race Kitchens

One of television’s best known and most popular chefs is to cook up tasty treats during during next months’ Foyle Maritime Festival.

None other than Jean-Christophe Novelli (pictured), dubbed “the nation’s favourite French chef,” will be getting foodie pulses racing on the banks of the Foyle on Friday, July 15.

The multi award-winning Michelin chef, TV star and author will bring his distinctive French flair and creative excellence to the free admission, four-day family-friendly food extravaganza taking place in Ebrington Plaza as a highlight of the wider Foyle Maritime Festival programme which runs from July 9-17.

Popular local celebrity chefs Jenny Bristow, Paula McIntyre, Noel McMeel, Brian McDermott and Ian Orr will also be headlining at Clipper Race Kitchens, which is expected to be one of the biggest events held during Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016.

Mary Blake, Council’s Tourism Development Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, and organiser of Clipper Race Kitchens, is hoping for record attendances, with an estimated 40,000 people expected to flock to the four-day culinary extravaganza on the Ebrington site.

“Clipper Race Kitchens is the biggest event in our Year of Food calendar as we showcase LegenDerry food and produce from across our Council district and beyond.

“This is an excellent opportunity to profile the city as a leading food destination with international appeal, particularly following our success last year as runner-up in Ireland’s Foodie Towns competition.

“We expect Clipper Race Kitchens to create a huge buzz as part of the Foyle Maritime Festival.”