Dale McIntosh, head chef at Gylly Beach Café in Falmouth, will officially launch the 21st Falmouth Oyster Festival on October 12 with a demonstration of his award winning food design skills using Falmouth dredged oysters and the day’s catch.

With significant achievements, experience and accolades, including Cornwall Catering Challenge winner, South West Chef of the Year finalist 2014/15 and quarter finalist of Masterchef: The Professionals, the Ponsanooth-based chef, has built a reputation for preparing new menus, experimenting with new produce and crafting his kitchen into a roaring success.

“Since moving to Gylly Beach Café almost two years ago, I have really enjoyed the buzz and pressure of a busy beach side restaurant," said Dale. "We are really making our mark in Falmouth for locally sourced produce, producing almost everything in house. We have lots more to come and it has so far been the best move of my career. I am extremely proud to be part of taking this thriving, successful, family run business to the next level.”

Dale will be cooking for some discerning food critics at the festival. Two children, selected from each of Falmouth’s five primary schools will sit at the chef's table and critique his culinary skills. These food ambassadors will have learnt how to cook a fish based dish first hand, visiting the kitchens of local chefs providing demos at the festival and then teaching the meal to their class and parents. The initiative, now in its tenth year has contributed to growing awareness of great local produce and the importance of healthy eating in schools.

This year, Marlborough School, supported by their chef Jessica Oughton and parents, launched its very own cook book, Feed, as a celebration of the fresh, local homemade food they serve. The book, with proceeds supporting the school’s kitchen, will be available for purchase at the festival. Joining the opening ceremony and to support their classmates, will be the Oyster Man accompanied by local children.

More than 40,000 visitors are expected over the four-day festival, which runs from October 12-15. Further daily cookery demonstrations are held during the festival by top chefs and food experts from Cornwall’s hotels and restaurants, inspiring visitors to try their hand at unusual and exciting seafood combinations and indulge in the tastes of native oysters, wines, ales and local produce.

For details of the festival programme and further information visit falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk; search Facebook for Falmouth Oyster Festival or follow on Twitter @FalOysterFest.