A special pavilion will be erected at the Belfast Odyssey to house a parallel fish and food festival which will be filled by a series of food market stalls.

A master class by Jenny Bristow and demonstrations by bakers from the Company of Irish Bakers will also be on offer to the public during the event from June 30 to July 1.

The fish and food festival coincides with seven magnificent tall ships arriving in and around the river Lagan for the Maritime event.

Northern Ireland Seafood (NIS), the marketing agency co-ordinating the food component of the festival with support from Sainsbury's, says the parallel food festival reflects a growth in demand for fresh produce from the region's fields and coastline.

"We are seeing distinct changes in consumer buying habits as they become increasingly informed and concerned by what they feed their families, the impact this food and its packaging have on the environment and its cost," NIS chief executive Malcolm Emery said.

"Our presence at the Maritime Festival is designed to let as many consumers know of the benefits of eating local produce.

"Consumers are much more aware than ever before of the health benefits of eating fish and fresh produce and we intend to repeat the message that we have the best food in the world on our doorstep."

Only last week the chief medical officer reported that 66% of men in Northern Ireland are dangerously heavy because of a fast-food diet which is gripping the nation.

He also warned that obesity levels among children were growing at alarming rates.

"We are part of the solution to this and we want the people of Northern Ireland to understand the full value of what is on offer," says Mr Emery.

"AT NIS we are encouraging the growth of interest in good local food through an exclusive joint venture with Sainsbury's.

"This venture means small producers, many of whom will be present at the Maritime Festival, are getting a foothold on the long ladder to mass retail marketing and getting their products on the shelves of the supermarkets," he says.

Sainsbury's Northern Ireland commercial manager James Laws said: "Good food is in the nature of Northern Ireland people and it is our job as retailers to help develop and promote local produce."

For further information about the Maritime Festival contact the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609.