The Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Mary Glew will perform the official opening of the Yum! Festival of Food and Drink on Thursday 7 August at 10.30am.

She will be joined by HullBID City Centre Manager Kathryn Shillito and Hull and East Riding Town Crier Michael Wood to launch the event, which will take place in King Edward Street and Queen Victoria Square.

The festival, which will run from 11am until 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, promises an extravaganza of food, drink and entertainment. It will put the focus on Hull’s international heritage with a collection of delights from around the world all presented by local businesses.

The theme of “Stay local – taste the world” will in particular showcase the diversity of dishes available locally. Yum will also extend its appeal into the evening with the introduction of themed nights in the festival marquee featuring international cooking demonstrations backed by live entertainment. Entry is free to all the events.

The opening night will showcase the Best of British, presented by Thieving Harry’s café bar and including live music from the Hillbilly Troupe. On Friday 8 August Stanley’s Brasserie will deliver the Taste of the USA programme, with the sounds of New Orleans from Jazz P’zazz. Tapasya Indian restaurant will take centre stage on the evening of Saturday 9 August with demonstrations by celebrity chef KK Anand and authentic Indian entertainment by Gvants.

For full details of the Yum! Festival of Food and Drink visit the website at www.yumfestival.co.uk and Twitter @YumFoodFest.

Pictured: Chilli Devil Sauces will be at this year's event.