Bolton Council is proud to announce local housing developer Watson Homes as the lead sponsor of this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
Watson Homes are no strangers to Bolton and are currently investing in a number of key development sites.
This includes Church Wharf, where they are set to deliver 417 town centre homes and a new 120-bed hotel.
The organisation prides itself on its social values and on improving the lives of people in local communities.
Now confirmed as Headline Sponsor of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2024, the organisation is helping to deliver what is widely regarded as one of the best events of its kind in Europe.
Last year’s record-breaking, and award-winning, festival attracted over half a million visitors to the town centre over the course of the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
It was named the “Most Loved Live Event” at the 2023 I Love Manchester awards, beating Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, and many others.
This year’s festival will be held over the bank holiday weekend from Friday, August 23 to Monday, August 26.
Fan favourite James Martin has already been announced as just one of this year’s celebrity chefs, with another big name set to be added to the list very soon.
Regional chefs from across the North West will also be joining the festival across the four days to share their knowledge with free cookery demonstrations taking place in the town centre.
There will be a range of special events including the returning Faulty Towers Dining Experience and new Sheer Luck Holmes murder mystery.
Visitors will enjoy speciality stalls offering food, drink, and crafts from around the globe alongside outdoor bars and live stages with a diverse music offer available every day.
Free family activities, from Bolton Library and Museum and The Octagon, and street performers will be available throughout each day to keep the masses entertained.
Director of Watson Homes, Rob Watson, said:
“We are pleased to be sponsoring the Bolton Food and Drink Festival for its return this August bank holiday.
“We are looking forward to being part of an event that has been central to the Bolton community for eighteen years, alongside other local businesses.
“It is a poignant year for Watson, as we are working closely with Bolton Council on two of our main developments.
“Church Wharf, a project central to Bolton Council’s town centre regeneration master plan and Creams Mill, a housing and canal restoration project, set to breathe new life into its surrounding area.
“As a business, we are committed to making a long-lasting positive impact across Bolton to enhance the lives of its community, boost the local economy and redevelop key areas.
“It is therefore fitting that we are the headline sponsor at this year’s festival, where we can help celebrate the very best of this vibrant town.”
Chief Executive of Bolton Council, Sue Johnson, said:
“The Bolton Food and Drink Festival is the highlight of our events calendar, supporting local businesses and bringing thousands of visitors into Bolton.
“Alongside the physical regeneration of the town centre, major cultural events like this are a key part of our plans to create a modern and exciting place to live, work and visit.
“The event would not be possible without sponsors like Watson Homes, and we look forward to working with them to deliver the best Bolton Food and Drink Festival yet.”
Tickets for James Martin are now on sale via the Bolton Food and Drink Festival website.
More details about the festival, including another celebrity chef and exciting new special events will be announced soon.
Further partnership and sponsorship opportunities for the festival are also available. For details contact sponsorship@bolton.gov.uk