Award Winnning "LegenDerry" Food Festival to return as part of St.Patrick's Spring Carnival

by Gráinne Connolly

The Legenderry Food Festival is returning to Derry-Londonderry this year on March 17th and 18th, as part of the St.Patrick's Spring Carnival Programme. 

Voted 'Best NI Food Event' at the NI Year of Food and Drink Awards, the Festival has now firmly established itself as the annual highlight in the local foodie calendar and this year welcomes to the table some of the top names in Irish Cuisine.

Family TV favourite Rachel Allen will be joined in the massive marquee in Guildhall Square by acclaimed local chefs Brian McDermott and Emmett McCourt, who will be sharing some of their kitchen secrets.

Local restaurants will also take to the stage in Theatre of Food, where they'll showcase somoe of their own signature dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. 

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, said he was looking forward to another celebration of local fayre.

“We really are establishing our place on the food map, and this event is growing from strength to strength every year.

“Its success is a tribute to the passionate and talented people driving our local food industry and is evidence of the growing appetite for local and responsibly sourced ingredients.

“Food tourism is an important contributor to the North West economy and event such as the Legenderry Food Festival provide an opportunity for our restaurants and producers to showcase their food and reach out to new audiences.

"It’s a fantastic experience for all ages and I would really encourage people to come along and support it.”

Head of Culture with Derry city and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said the Legenderry Food Festival would be a major highlight of the St Patrick’s festivities taking place throughout the City and District.

“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.

"We are beginning to reap the rewards of successful events such as this with accolades including our Destination Delicious title in the NI Year of Food and Drink Awards last year. It’s fantastic to see the flair and imagination of our local chefs and artisan producers getting the recognition it deserves.”

There will be plenty of opportunity to sample some of the very best local food from hot off the pass restaurant favourites, to fresh ingredients to create your own culinary masterpiece.

There's also loads on the menu for younger food fans too with family fun activities including musical performances, street theatre and LegenDerry themed activities.

They can "Get messy" at the cupcake and jam tart decorating workshops, and join the singing chefs and tray-spinning waiters for some kitchen "craic". 

The Legenderry Food Festival will take place on Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th March, 12noon – 6pm in the Guildhall Square. 

Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the programme is supported by Tourism NI and DAERA’s NI Regional Food Programme.