Top celebrities and chefs on the menu for food festival

VISITORS to one of the region’s best-loved food festivals can expect to be wowed by a “who’s who” of the culinary world.

Seaham Food Festival – which attracts hundreds of Hartlepool people – will return for another spectacular year in what will be a weekend of food, fun, and entertainment on Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 August.

Headlining this year’s festival, on the Sunday, is popular presenter Matt Tebbutt, above, known for his work on BBC One’s “Saturday Kitchen” and Best Bites on BBC Two. He has also just been announced as the third judge on BBC’s MasterChef the Professionals.

Joining him in an exceptional line up is Cherish Finden, the formidable judge on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals, who will be attending on the Saturday.

Also, taking part on the Saturday, is Cyrus Todiwala OBE, a chef, author, entrepreneur and educationalist, whose name has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in Indian cuisine.

Saturday’s celebrities also includeShelina Permalloo, who wowed the judges of BBC’s MasterChef in 2012 after winning the TV show using her unique dishes from Mauritius, the small island in Africa.

Moving to Sunday, along with headliner Matt, visitors can enjoy the sights and smells of Italian cooking with Francesco Mattana – Italian chef, author and influencer..

Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, Seaham will be welcoming master chocolatier, Oliver Dunn aka Oli The Choc . Having grown up in the family business and a chocolate-filled childhood, Oli is on a mission to unlock festivalgoers’ creativity through the magic of chocolate.