Thousands to flock to biggest food and drink fest
Tens of thousands of people are set to descend on Bolton over the weekend for the North West’s largest food and drink festival.
Organised by Bolton Council in association with Aldi the town centre is preparing for the 12th event at which there will be an invasion of celebrity chefs, amazing cuisine, live music and fun for all the family.
A huge marquee has been installed on Victoria Square where over four days celebrity chefs James Martin, Ainsley Harriott and Simon Rimmer will entertain thousands of visitors.
Michael Caines will host a sumptuous gala dinner in the grand marquee on tonight (Friday, August 25), the first day of the festival, and Aiden Byrne will be hosting Manchester House’s first dedicated pop-up restaurant – Made in Bolton – on Saturday night.
The public are also invited to free cookery shows in Bolton Market’s Lifestyle Hall on Ashburner Street and in the Regional Chefs’ Marquee on Corporation Street.
Headliners include: Aiden Byrne, of Manchester House, Masterchef winner Simon Wood, celebrity chef Andrew Nutter and John Whaite.
Meanwhile, more than 200 food, drink and craft traders will take over the town centre, with a feast of goodies on offer, to cater for every taste.
The markets, opening from 10am to 7pm, will be located in and around Victoria Square.
In Le Mans Crescent, a huge stage is being built to showcase some of Bolton’s finest bands and musicians. Music lovers can also enjoy a drink from the Festival Bar.
The Real Ale and Cider Bar on Victoria Square will also host a music stage, and headline sponsor Aldi will also be taking centre stage on Victoria Square with a Top Tipples wine bar, which will offer a range of prosecco, wine and cocktails for festival goers.
For the youngsters this year, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will be held daily in the Alice in Wonderland Marquee, Howell Croft North.
Festival partners the Octagon Theatre will also turn into Platform 50, a fun-filled railway station from the golden age of travel. Free to enter, there will be a train, lots of railway-themed stories, and activities for all the family including face-painting and interactive songs.
Bolton Library and Museum Services have also got a weekend of craft and arts fun for younger children too. From having the chance to delve into Bolton’s Egypt at the Octagon Theatre, to sharing lunch with Peter Rabbit, each activity will be family friendly and free of charge. Free activities will be held at Crompton Place too.
Special events on the menu include: on Saturday at 10.30am, Simon Rimmer will host a brunch and at 2.30pm, he will host a special pasty and beer tasting with pasties supplied by festival partner Carrs pasties, who have unveiled a number of new flavours for the festival, including vindaloo.
On Sunday, there will be a Slattery family Afternoon Tea with a live demo from Ainsley Harriott and later in the day, Ainsley will host a wine tasting session with wine critic Simon Woods.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “After all the planning and anticipation it is fantastic to see the festival taking shape as stalls, marquees and stages begin to appear in the town centre.
“This will be the culmination of months of hard work and it is exciting to know that the festival is so close now.
“We hope that as many people as possible, of all ages, come and join us in the town centre to watch some amazing cookery demonstrations by talented chefs, listen to great music, try and buy different foods, try some of the children’s activities and just have fun. It will be a brilliant weekend.”
