Celebrity cooks in town for Fifa

Aaron Gascoigne (left) and Josh King from My Kitchen Rules. Photo / Supplied

My Kitchen Rules contestant Aaron Gascoigne should be a philly-cheese steak pro in time for this weekend's Long Brunch - he's been practising for a while.

The former Whangarei man will be back in town on Saturday along with fellow former My Kitchen Rules (MKR) competitors to cook up a storm for the Long Brunch, an event to kick off the Fifa U-20 World Cup.

Mr Gascoigne and Josh, Aaron and Heather, Ian and Sandie, Jessie and Rickie and Kelly and Megan will be in town on Saturday cooking different dishes from each of the countries playing matches in Whangarei - Myanmar, Uzbekistan, the United States, Fiji and Ukraine.

Mr Gascoigne said he immediately jumped at the chance to grab the US, a decision he does not regret.

"My goodness gracious me, I hope the other teams have been practising because I chose USA and, me being a home cook, if I can stuff up a philly cheese steak my fellow competitors have a much harder task," he said.

Mr Gascoigne said he and Josh would be whipping up a philly cheese steak with a twist.

Visitors to the event will be able to purchase "funny money" which they can exchange for the food prepared. Mel Miller, Fifa U20 regional events and marketing manager, said the event would take place at the Cameron St Mall.

Stalls from some local bars and cafes will also be at the event. The event will start at 10am and run until 12.30pm. Road blocks will be in place in Cameron, James and John St.