Festival fun in Bolton as celebrity chefs wow crowds at 20th Food and Drink Festival

Sunday, 24 August 2025 15:50

By David Murphy

Bolton town centre has been transformed into a hub of flavours, family fun and live entertainment as the Food and Drink Festival marks its 20th year this weekend.

Thousands have already flocked to Victoria Square and beyond, with Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White drawing huge crowds on Saturday for his first ever appearance at the festival. Today, TV wine expert Helen McGinn is taking centre stage, leading tastings and sharing her expertise, while Sunday promises the return of the ever-popular Faulty Towers dining experience.

The four-day event will conclude on Monday when celebrity chef James Martin, a familiar face at the festival, delivers three live cookery demonstrations. He has appeared at Bolton’s Bank Holiday weekend celebration for 15 of its 20 years.

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As well as household names, chefs from across the North West are showcasing their skills in free open-air demos, while international guests from Bolton’s twin towns of Le Mans in France and Paderborn in Germany are adding their own flavours to the programme.

Beyond the food, families are enjoying free activities at the Festival Garden, the Octagon Theatre and Elizabeth Park, ranging from arts and crafts to giant sandpits and bubble-filled discos.

More than 180 stalls line the streets, offering everything from global street food and vegan treats to locally made gifts. Traders say the event is one of the best organised in the country, with many returning year after year.

The festival runs until Monday evening, with full schedules available at https://boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com

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