Marquee and market in Guildhall Square

Local chefs Brian McDermott and Emmet McCourt will be hosting a series of special cookery demonstrations using locally sourced festive fare with lots of easy to remember handy tips to make the Christmas dinner extra special and easy this year.

The Walled City Christmas Markets will also be in the square over the weekend, Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a tasty treat or just want to soak up the atmosphere, this wonderful market beneath the historic walls oozes Christmas cheer.

There’s an enticing range of distinctive handmade crafts on offer, stunning photos, evocative paintings, floral displays, superb jewellery and lots more. What better on a cold December day than taking in the entertainments and stalls while enjoying a tempting smorgasbord of wonderful foods from a host of artisan producers from all over the Caribbean and Europe.

Keep warm and indulge yourself with speciality chocolates, teas and coffees to accompany American and French desserts, continental breads, pastries and many other temptations to delight the foodie in you.

Mayor Maurice Devenney said: “The Christmas Marquee alongside Christmas Markets and the Choral Festival offers seasonal entertainment with a difference, adding to the Christmas experience in the city for locals and visitors of all ages.

“We’re delighted to have some of the city’s best chefs coming along to the marquee to deliver cookery demonstrations spicing up traditional festive foods and supporting local producers and walkabout characters bringing a beautiful Christmas buzz to the city centre.

“These colourful characters make for some lovely Christmas photos with the children so try to remember a camera! Christmas is a time for coming together and I really hope everyone will come out to support and enjoy this wonderful programme.”

Entertainment at the Guildhall Square Christmas Marquee continues on Saturday, December 17, from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday, December 18 from 12pm to 5pm.

For more information on the city’s programme of festive events please visitwww.festivetime.com or call Derry City Council on 02871 365151.