New for 2018, Saint Lucia Food and Rum is the first event in the Soleil festival series running throughout the year. It's the must-visit food Caribbean festival taking place from January 12-14 with an appearance by one of the world's top chefs, Marcus Samuelsson. The festival also includes another major addition: the first-ever Caribbean Rum Awards.

The Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival takes place in January 2018, exploring the island's sensational flavours with the Award-Winning Chef, TV Personality and Restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson. The event also sees the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Rum Awards from the Caribbean Journal. The festival runs from January 12-14 with select restaurants featuring rum inspired Prix Fixe menus.

The Food & Rum Festival is a three-day celebration of the island's unique culinary offerings derived from its French, British, African and Indian heritage combined with the finest rums of the Caribbean and the world. A highlight will be renowned chef, Marcus Samuelsson who is presenting a Saint Lucian twist on his menu from President Obama's first State Dinner, at a gala event. Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind many restaurants worldwide including, Red Rooster, Streetbird Rotisserie, and Marcus B&P.

Food & Rum will convert the Rodney Bay strip into a foodie's dream with the Rodney Bay Culinary Experience on Saturday January 13. Some of the Island's best restaurants will be setting up sampling booths to share the tastes of their rum inspired creations. The lively Saturday night scene in Rodney Bay will be taken up a few notches with the exciting flavours and live entertainment well into the night.

The festival reaches its climax Sunday January 14 with an open-air event at the historic Pigeon Island National Landmark. Restaurateurs, chefs and rum makers will present the most delectable fare, including their own rum infused creations. The festival day will feature sampling booths, live cooking demonstrations, rum tastings and a power packed live concert.

The Gala event will be an exclusive night of glamour, entertainment and some of the finest dining in the western hemisphere.