REGGAE Sauce star Levi Roots has been announced as the headline chef and music act at a North Yorkshire food festival.

Levi, who won over the BBC hit show Dragon’s Den in 2007 with his Jamaican sauce invention will be heading up the Malton Food Lovers Festival on May 27 and 28.

As well as appearing at the chef’s cookery theatre on Saturday, Levi Roots and his band will be bringing their reggae tunes to the festival, as the main act at Malton’s Saturday night festival party.

Levi began making sauce from his kitchen in Brixton in 1991, after relocating to Britain 1970 and started selling the sauce at Notting Hill Carnival. After 16 years he entered the food industry via his success on the Dragon’s Den. He last appeared at the Malton festival in 2015.

Also appearing at the food celebration will be food writer and journalist Prue Leith and Great British Menu contestant Stephanie Moon.

He will also join other influential food experts at the Malton Food Lovers Festival ‘NFU Question Time’, where he will answer questions from the public.

The cook and musician said: “I can’t wait to return to the Malton Food Lovers Festival this year. The festival is the ultimate celebration of food and attracts thousands of hungry visitors who have a real love of food – just like me! I’m back with a bang and ready to inject some spice into the weekend.

“My set at the festival night party will include some of my best feel good vibes from the Caribbean. I want to see dancing, singing and lots of eating.”

Events lined up for this year include celebrity chef demonstrations, extra street food vans, a children’s area including pizza making and the festival party.

Festival organiser, Tom Naylor-Leyland, said; “We’re extremely excited to welcome Levi back this year and I can’t wait to watch him inspire and inform festival-goers on what makes Caribbean food so unique and special.”

“If you are thinking of coming along to the festival, come on an empty stomach as there is plenty to taste and enjoy.”