LegenDerry Food Festival finalist in Business Awards
The LegenDerry Food Festival has been nominated under Best Tourism Initiative in the Bank of Ireland Derry Business Awards, after attracting a staggering 36,000 visitors in its very first year.
Throughout the festival visitors flocked to the immense marquis which filled the Guildhall Square with mouthwatering aromas over the St Patrick’s weekend to enjoy some of the finest local cuisine rustled up by the city’s top chefs. They were joined by TV favourites Rachel Allen and Neven Maguire, and a whole host of local food producers for a three day celebration of all things delicious.
The event was organized by Derry City Council, and Festival Organiser Mary Blake said she was delighted that the event has been recognized through this nomination by the Chamber.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted and to be finalists in this award, we are also thrilled to see World Host win the event as we move towards World Host city status. ” she said “The LegenDerry Food Fest sets out to support our restaurant sector in the city and to recognize the excellent range of produce available locally to us. We have such a wealth of high quality food stuffs on offer and are fast developing a reputation as a food tourism destination of note, and securing positive recommendations from food critics in the national press.
“Our chefs and restaurants are enhancing the profile of the city and winning national recognition. This award recognizes the importance of collaborating with the private sector in developing high quality events for visitors and locals alike.”
The LegenDerry Food Festival showcased the cuisine of 14 of the best local restaurants from the region, all promoting the LegenDerry brand and supporting local food producers. The programme highlighted the importance of the local food chain and was supported by key funders the DARD Agri Food programme, City of Culture, Derry City Council and delivered with support from Food NI the National Food Agency.
As well as all the kitchen action and the delicious array of dishes available in the Festival Marquee, the event included celebrity chef demonstrations by RTE’s Brian McDermott and Neven Maguire, and BBC favourites Rachel Allen and Paula McIntyre.
Food fans also got to sample some local delicacies at the Lough’s Agency Oyster Bar as well as learn more about the native flatbed Oyster. The LegenDerry Food Hall in the Guildhall featured over 20 exhibitors selling everything from locally made chocolate and patisserie, to cheese-making kits and ice cream.
Pictured at the awards in the City Hotel Derry are Left to Right Louise Millsopp DARD NI Regional Agri Food Programme, Brian McDermott Celebrity Chef and compere, Mary Blake, Tourism Manager and Event Organiser Derry City Council and Annmarie Moore the Northwest Regional College.
