PENARTH-based chef James Sommerin is set to demonstrate at next year's Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.

The show is set to take place in May for the first time in its 11 year history.

The award winning two day foodie extravaganza will start on Sunday, May 24, and run across the second May Bank Holiday weekend.

James Sommerin, who won his Michelin star as Head Chef of The Crown at Whitebrook in 2007, will appear on the Monday at 12.45pm in the Demo Theatre and demonstrate his passion for food with distinct flavours and local heritage.

Welshman James and his wife Louise now own Restaurant James Sommerin at The Esplanade in Penarth.

Bar 44 and The Bear Hotel will also take to the demo stage as well as festival favourite Anand George. Anand is the multi-award winning chef behind Cardiff’s Purple Poppadom and will be a familiar face to frequent Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival goers having appeared numerous times.

Thousands flock to the market town each year to sample the high quality artisan produce available and it is expected this year will be bigger than ever having moved from its normal October slot to spring.

John Davies, festival chairman, said: “We’re delighted to confirm James Sommerin as a guest demonstrator at next year’s festival and he joins what is looking to be an exciting line up.

“We’ve enjoyed a hugely successful ten years of the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival and by moving to May, when the weather will hopefully shine on us, we expect to attract a wider audience to enjoy this fantastic weekend of food and family fun.”

And it’s not too late to apply to be an exhibitor with applications still being taken until December 31. Full details can be found on the newly launched website www.cowbridgefoodanddrink.org where the full line up will be announced on January 7.

Tickets - which cost £5 per day or £8 for the weekend – can also be purchased online for the first time with a 10 per cent discount on all pre-sale tickets. Children 12 years and under go free.

Next year’s Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival takes place on Sunday, May 24, to Monday, May 25.