It’s the signature food event that will tempt tastebuds, showcase the freshest in TNQ produce as well as incorporate the best in local performers, entertainment and the arts.

For the first time in 12 years, the Longest Lunch will feature on the Cairns Festival program, offering a fantastic four-course feast and matching drinks from 12pm on 27 August, under the covered terrace in the Harbour Lights dining precinct.

<strike></strike>The feast will be served up by Ochre Restaurant in partnership with Dundee's and Marina Paradiso, with organiser and Ochre owner Craig Squire saying the time was right to bring a foodie event back to the festival program.

“The idea is to have a food event that is pleasurable and relaxing,” he said.

“It will be a long Sunday afternoon session in a fantastic location, providing a nice environment to relax and enjoy Cairns.”

Marino Paradiso will provide an antipasto dish, Dundee’s will make the alternate drop main and Ochre will supply the alternate drop entrée and set dessert for the afternoon with the dishes featuring fresh produce including seafood, Tablelands beef and chicken and Daintree chocolate.

Art pieces created by local artists will adorn the tables and another highlight will be when the waiters' drink handling skills are put to the test during a relay race along the boardwalk.

Teams of four from each restaurant will face off during the relay race in which they have to run along a 50 metre track while carrying cups of water on serving trays.

For more information about the Longest Lunch and to book tickets, click here.

Cairns Festival officially starts on August 25 and runs until September 3 with a long list of events for everyone throughout TNQ. For more information on the festival, click here.

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