There are just days to go before the long-awaited return of Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
After a year away the always popular event returns, supported by headline sponsor Aldi, bringing food, drink, fun, entertainment and live music to Bolton town centre.
Highlights include:
- Celebrity chef demos: regional and local chef cookery demos from celebrated chef Jean-Christophe Novelli (11.30am and 3.30pm Sunday) and local heroes Simon Wood (2.30pm Monday) and Anjali Pathak (2.30pm Friday). These are free to attend.
- Kids’ fun: children’s entertainment with a seaside-themed family zone – complete with sandy beach in an open-side marquee and Punch and Judy shows. Plus Octagon Theatre family festival Fri 27 – Sun 29 August.
- Live music: the return of the Main Festival Music stage on Le Mans Crescent, and Victoria Square acoustic stage, both featuring daily headliners and brilliant local musical talent.
- Special events: Beer and Cheese tasting, a Microgreens Masterclass and daily foraging with Bolton’s own expert Forager, Colin Unsworth. (Booking required).
- Award-winning markets: our traders offer food from all four corners of the globe, from Indian street food to fish ‘n’ chips, plus fantastic arts and crafts.
- Great outdoors: a celebration of Bolton’s parks and green spaces with a Foodie Haven and Picnic Zone in the town centre’s Queens Park, including world foods and an obstacle course.
- Bolton Mela: Bolton station rail passengers entertained by music organised by the Hindu Forum, with food stalls run by Bolton Community Railway.
This year there is a special focus on having plenty of space to enjoy a wander around the market and the town’s green spaces, or to take a break from the hustle and bustle in one of our dedicated seating areas.
With good weather forecast, the festivities promise one hugely enjoyable long weekend for the whole family.
Cllr Martyn Cox said: “We’re looking forward to bringing back this ever-popular festival to Bolton this weekend.
“The town centre will be a vibrant place to be with all the music, entertainment and food and drink on offer.
“It’s fantastic to be able to support local businesses in this way.”
Ruth Doyle, Regional Managing Director at Aldi added:
“Bolton Food and Drink Festival is an amazing way to experience and celebrate all that Bolton’s food producers and growers have to offer.
“This will be our 6th year supporting the festival and we can easily say this one will be like no other – with more local chefs, stalls and businesses than ever before.
“Our local team will also be at the festival with a selection of our award-winning products, and we look forward to meeting lots of new faces over the weekend.”
Bolton Food and Drink Festival is made possible thanks to a wide range of sponsors and supporters.
These include headline sponsors Aldi and premier sponsors Warburtons, the nation’s favourite baker.
They are joined by main sponsors Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Bolton Council’s Community Champions programme.
Further support comes from event partners Robertson, Impression, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Bolton at Home, Carrs Pasties, Market Place Shopping Centre, the University of Bolton and City Fibre.
For more information, visit boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com, search Bolton Food and Drink Festival on Facebook and follow @boltonfoodfest on Twitter and Instagram.