Key Points
· The 2025 Bolton Food and Drink Festival celebrated its 18th birthday with record-breaking attendance of over 500,000 visitors, exceeding last year's figures by more than 40,000.
· Renowned TV chef James Martin praised the festival as “the best festival in the world,” highlighting its growth from a small event to one of the largest food festivals in Europe.
· The festival featured over 180 artisan stalls and a packed programme with celebrity chefs, live music, children’s entertainment, comedy theatre dining events, and DJ nights.
· Bolton Council leaders, including Cllr Nick Peel and Cllr Nadeem Ayub, applauded the event as a major boost to the local economy and a celebration of Bolton’s cultural vibrancy.
· The festival incorporated family-friendly activities such as the Little Chefs Academy and Around the World events, ensuring a budget-friendly day out for all ages.
· Sponsors and partners were acknowledged for their support in making the event a success.
· Traders and local businesses reported significant sales increases, with some describing this year as the best experience ever.
· The event was held in Bolton town centre despite an initial forecast of wet weather, with sunshine attracting large crowds for the weekend.
· First-time participants like Texas BBQ had a positive experience, committing to return next year.
· The festival remains a key annual event in Bolton’s calendar, widely regarded as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the UK and Europe.
What is the significance of the 2025 Bolton Food and Drink Festival attendance record?
As reported by Amy Simms of The Bolton News, the festival broke all previous attendance records with independently verified figures of over 500,000 visitors, marking an increase of more than 40,000 compared to the previous year. This milestone was celebrated during the festival’s 18th anniversary and is seen as a testament to the event’s growing popularity and success across the UK.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, praised the achievement, stating: “A huge well done to Team Bolton for yet another, award-winning, record-breaking, successful event. Attracting half a million visitors is a significant milestone and further cements our reputation as a host of world-class events”.
How did TV chef James Martin describe the Bolton Food and Drink Festival?
James Martin, a celebrated TV chef and regular festival participant, described the event as “the best festival in the world” during his appearances at the festival. Martin reminisced how the festival started from a modest marquee with just a few stalls to what he now believes is probably the largest food festival in Europe.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth and longevity, Martin told The Bolton News: “I’ve seen festivals come and go but what seems to be the underlying thing about successful ones is that everyone has the same goal, it’s that passion and that drive. This is so much more than just a food festival. You can come here for the entire day and just walk around, and I think that’s what draws people back”.
He also praised the crucial role of the council’s passion in the event’s success, explaining that without that level of commitment, “it just wouldn’t work”.
What attractions and activities featured at the festival?
The 2025 Bolton Food and Drink Festival featured an extensive array of activities and entertainment, catering to a wide audience. More than 180 artisan food and drink stalls filled Bolton town centre, offering visitors a vast selection of culinary delights.
The festival’s “HQ” was set inside the prestigious Albert Halls complex, where attendees enjoyed cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs including James Martin, Gok Wan, Nisha Katona, and a Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White.
Families enjoyed free children’s entertainment with events such as Bolton Beach Party, Little Chefs Academy, and Around the World activities at The Octagon Theatre. Social nights included the first-ever DJ event at The Afterparty with Gok Wan & Co, as well as immersive comedy dining experiences like Faulty Towers and Live and Let Dine.
Live music featured prominently, with two main stages hosting a variety of acts, including the 90s band East 17, who proved popular with festivalgoers and helped create a party atmosphere late into the evenings.
How did local traders and businesses respond to the festival's success?
As reported by the BBC and The Bolton News, traders praised the festival for delivering a major boost in sales and footfall. Daniel O’Grady, owner of Churtopia Churros and a 14-year regular at the event, called 2025 the “best ever” experience, highlighting the festival’s continual improvement and business impact.
David, from first-time participants Texas BBQ, described the weekend as “amazing” and expressed enthusiasm about participating again next year due to the positive reception and business opportunities.
Local trader Sofia of FIFI’s Cheesecakes noted the festival’s importance for her business, stating it was the only festival they attend because it provides the best exposure and support.
Cllr Nick Peel also emphasized the economic benefits, noting that the festival brings income to local traders and businesses, helping support the ongoing regeneration of Bolton town centre.
What role does Bolton Council play in the festival’s success?
Bolton Council is a key organiser and supporter of the festival, facilitating its continued growth over two decades. The council’s investment and commitment are regularly credited as essential to the event’s success.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Culture is at the heart of what we do here, and the Food and Drink Festival always shows Bolton at its very best. The fact that over half a million people have visited Bolton, many for the first time, really puts us on the map as a destination”.
The council ensures the festival delivers a full range of free activities, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for families and diverse audiences. Their work also helps position Bolton as a host of world-class events and an attractive location for visitors year-round.
What are the prospects for future Bolton Food and Drink Festivals?
Bolton Food and Drink Festival organisers and sponsors are already gearing up for 2026, with plans underway to deliver another impressive event. The success of 2025 has set new expectations, and the festival continues to receive ongoing support from local government, traders, and partners.
With sustained community involvement, vibrant programming, and significant economic impact, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival’s future looks bright as a flagship event in Bolton and the wider UK festival calendar.