Key Points
· Bolton Food and Drink Festival celebrates its landmark 20th anniversary this August Bank Holiday weekend (22nd–25th August 2025).
· Visit Bolton is the official tourism partner for the festival, supporting the borough’s Visitor Economy Strategy.
· The festival attracts over half a million visitors annually, featuring 200 vendors offering global cuisine.
· Iconic TV chef Marco Pierre White makes his festival debut with live cookery demonstrations and a Q&A.
· Festival favourite James Martin returns for his 15th year with multiple cookery demo sessions.
· The event includes live music from 90s boy band East 17 and disco/soul group Odyssey, outdoor bars, street food stalls, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities.
· Special events such as Faulty Towers Dining Experience, Sheer Luck Holmes murder mystery, and a gala dinner enhance the festival.
· Wine expert Helen McGinn hosts wine tasting and afternoon tea sessions at the Albert Halls.
· The festival's free entry supports local businesses with opportunities via VisitBolton.com to increase visibility and tourism.
· Traders and vendors express enthusiasm for the vibrant atmosphere and evolving nature of the festival.
· The festival takes over Bolton town centre and is considered one of the UK’s largest free food and drink festivals.
What Is the Significance of the 20th Bolton Food and Drink Festival?
The Bolton Food and Drink Festival marks a milestone celebration of its 20th anniversary this year, running from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August 2025 over the August Bank Holiday weekend. As reported by Bolton Council , it is the town’s flagship event and the biggest free food and drink festival in the UK, previously attracting over half a million attendees.
This milestone aligns with Bolton Council’s new Visitor Economy Strategy and the relaunch of Visit Bolton’s website, VisitBolton.com, the official tourism partner of this year’s event. The partnership is set to help boost local businesses and tourism by offering free listings and a personalised itinerary planning tool. Local businesses are encouraged to participate to grow their visibility as the town gets into the spotlight during the four-day celebration.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Executive Member for Culture at Bolton Council, described the festival as “the jewel in our cultural crown” and emphasised its role in showcasing Bolton’s creativity, hospitality, and community spirit. He expressed excitement about welcoming thousands of visitors to experience everything the town has to offer.
Who Are the Celebrity Chefs Headlining the Festival?
The 20th edition of Bolton Food and Drink Festival features the first-ever appearance of iconic TV chef Marco Pierre White. Known as the godfather of modern cooking, Marco will headline the event with two live cookery demonstrations on Saturday, 23rd August, at 11 am and 1 pm, followed by a Q&A session. After decades of culinary influence, including being the youngest chef awarded three Michelin stars and mentoring renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, Marco’s debut is a major highlight of the festival.
“I am honoured to be part of this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival, especially as it celebrates its 20th anniversary,” Marco stated, emphasising food’s role as a community binder beyond mere ingredients.
Additionally, James Martin returns for his 15th year, offering multiple cookery demos on Monday, 25th August at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Both chefs’ sessions are ticketed, with premium and standard seating, and will be BSL interpreted to ensure accessibility.
What Can Visitors Expect to Experience at the Festival?
The festival presents a vast and diverse programme, including:
A global selection of food and drink stalls, with over 200 vendors offering street food, artisan crafts, and beverages.
Live cooking demonstrations from regional and celebrity chefs, sharing culinary skills and recipes.
Music performances featuring 90s boy band East 17 and the legendary disco and soul group Odyssey.
Family-friendly activities ranging from crafts and performances with a Jungle Book theme to free activities organised by Bolton Library, Museum, and The Octagon.
Special events such as the Faulty Towers Dining Experience and the Sheer Luck Holmes murder mystery provide theatrical dinner entertainment.
A gala dinner scheduled for Friday night is anticipated to be a standout event.
Wine tasting and afternoon tea hosted by author and wine expert Helen McGinn at the iconic Albert Hall.
Outdoor bars and street entertainers add to the lively atmosphere across Bolton town centre.
The festival invites attendees to enjoy not only the culinary delights but also the vibrant street culture, making it a true celebration of food, drink, community, and culture.
How Do Local Traders View the Festival?
Local traders and vendors express great enthusiasm about the festival’s significance. Daniel O’Grady, proprietor of Churtopia Churros, who has been participating for 14 years, told BBC Radio Manchester that the festival “feels different every year” and offers something new around every corner. He describes it as “one of the largest food and drink festivals in the nation” with a continuing appeal that keeps him coming back annually.
Richard Brant of Scrumpy Pig echoed this sentiment, stating the festival creates a “really vibrant and energetic” atmosphere that is “something to anticipate throughout the year”. Despite last year’s weather disruption that forced the cancellation of the opening day due to a severe storm, vendors remain confident and excited about the event’s return this year across the town centre.
How Can Visitors Attend and Participate?
Entry to Bolton Food and Drink Festival is free, making it accessible to all members of the public. However, tickets are required for special events such as the celebrity chef cookery demos and some gala dinners. Ticket bookings are available via the official Bolton Food and Drink Festival website.
Visitors can also use VisitBolton.com to plan their itineraries, discover places to eat, stay, and explore during the festival and beyond. The website serves as an essential tool for personalising the festival experience, supporting local business growth and visitor engagement.