Festival Information
North West
Overview
The Bolton Food and Drink Festival is one of the UK's largest culinary events, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually. Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, this four-day celebration transforms Bolton town center into a gastronomic hub. The festival features more than 200 food stalls, celebrity chef demonstrations, and a variety of entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy cookery demos by renowned chefs like James Martin and Ainsley Harriott, explore diverse culinary offerings, and experience live music performances. The event, organised by Bolton Council, has won awards for its market attraction and significantly boosts the local economy.
Location
Bolton Food & Drink Festival takes place at venues throughout Bolton.
See the official festival website for further details.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: Free - £60
Tickets to Bolton Food and Drink Festival can be purchased from the official festival website.
What's On Guide
Here is a link to the Festival Guide, which lists out everything that's happening.
Celebrity Chef Demonstrations:
- James Martin
- Ainsley Harriott
Special Events:
- Faulty Towers Dining Experience: Includes 3-course meal
- Sheer Luck Holmes Murder Mystery: Includes 3-course meal
- Prosecco Picnic Platter with The Mayor
Family Entertainment:
- Many family events are free, but require booking via Eventbrite
- Children's 'cook and dine': for aspiring young chef's aged 11- 16
- And many other events, explore the official festival website for further info.
Additional Information:
- Over 200 food stalls and market traders are free to browse
- Live music stages are free to attend
- Some events have limited capacity, early booking is recommended
Accommodation
Bolton Food & Drink Festival is NOT a camping festival, please make your own accommodation plans. For accommodation suggestions, you could try the "Visit Bolton" website.
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Bolton Food and Drink Festival is committed to making their festival accessible for all. The celebrity chef cooking demonstrations by James Martin and Ainsley Harriott are confirmed to be BSL interpreted.
While specific accessibility information is limited, the festival takes place in various locations throughout Bolton town center, including public spaces and venues. The festival aims to be inclusive, with Cllr Nadeem Ayub stating, "We have worked especially hard to ensure that the event is inclusive for everyone, and there is something to be enjoyed by all."
For detailed accessibility information, it's recommended to contact the festival organisers, it seems your best bet would be via their social media channels.
