Extra flavour added to this year’s Food and Drink Festival as trio of celeb chefs - Jean-Christophe Novelli, Jack Stein and Ian Cumming join the line up

Ely Food & Drink Festival (Image: Archant)

The first of three chefs to appear at this year’s festival, which takes place on May 1 and 2, is Jean-Christophe Novelli - the award-winning French chef and Michelin star restaurateur.

Joining him will be Jack Stein, son of Rick and executive chef of the Stein restaurants. He will be relaying stories of restaurant life from Padstow and cooking up a flavoursome fish dish.

The final chef on the books is local talent, Ian Cumming. The Cambridge-based photographer and Great British Bake Off 2015 finalist will be demonstrating his creative talents, as well as giving the low down on his new celebrity status.

Ely Food & Drink Festival (Image: Archant)

Tracey Harding, East Cambridgeshire District Council’s tourism and town centres manager, said: “This year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than ever, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“So whether it’s having a go at the World Eel Throwing Competition on Eel Day, sampling some great local food or browsing our many independent shops and vibrant markets, Ely is definitely the place to be on Spring bank holiday weekend.”

Along with playing host to a trio of top chefs, there will also be appearances from local chefs and demonstrators. These will all take place within the Cookery Theatre on Palace Green.

Ian Cumming. (Image: Archant)

There will also be an array of artisan traders and an expanded Street Food Scene, comprising of a range of culinary delights.

The festival, sponsored by G’s Fresh, Grovemere Holdings, Labour Tech Recruitment and Ely Gin Company, is part of the Eel Festival weekend - which runs from April 29 to May 2.

For more information about the festival visit: www.visitely.org.uk