Distinguished chefs from as far away as China, Japan and Australia will line up alongside stars from Europe and closer to home at Obsession, the two-week gastro-festival hosted by Northcote restaurant and hotel in Lancashire early next year.

Now in its 17th year, Obsession runs for 17 successive nights from Friday January 20. Tickets tend to sell out well in advance and are on sale now from £130 a head.

Top European chefs include Gennaro Esposito of La Torre del Saracino on the Bay of Naples, Austrian seafood specialist Hans Neuner of Ocean in the Algarve, and Ana Ros of Hisa Franko in Slovenia.

Zhao Guang You of JE Mansions in Beijing and Lu Yao of Yihe Mansions in Nanjing will represent China, while three California-based chefs will cook together – Justin Cogley, Ben Spungin and Tony Baker.

The strong UK contingent comprises Michael Wignall of Gidleigh Park, Gareth Ward of Ynyshir, John Williams of the Ritz, Michael O’Hare of The Man Behind the Curtain, James Close of the Raby Hunt, Isaac McHale of the Clove Club and Atul Kochhar of Benares.

Northcote itself is represented by chef-patron Nigel Haworth on the final night and head chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen – praised for her “effortlessly delicious” seasonal cooking in the Harden’s Survey – who will be presenting a ladies’ night with Chantelle Nicholson of Tredwells, Anna Hansen of the Modern Pantry and pastry legend Claire Clark.