Key Points
- Free Culinary Demonstrations: The Bolton Food and Drink Festival will run free live cooking sessions at its Regional Chefs Theatre across all four days.
- Star-Studded Line-up: The programme includes Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE, television presenter Kwoklyn Wan, MasterChef winner Simon Wood and festival regular Andrew George.
- Diverse Talent: The festival will feature established restaurateurs, bakers, rising regional culinary stars, hospitality professionals and food influencers.
- Local Authority Statement: Councillor Debbie Newall, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, praised the programme for giving home cooks and food lovers plenty of inspiration.
- Event Details: Sponsored by Peel Land, the four-day festival will take place from 28 to 31 August 2026 across Bolton town centre during the August bank holiday weekend.
Bolton (Bolton Today) August 27, 2026 – Food enthusiasts across the North West are set for a major culinary showcase as some of the region's top chefs prepare to take the stage at this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival. Organisers have confirmed that the event’s Regional Chefs Theatre will offer a four-day schedule of completely free live cooking demonstrations.
The festival will feature high-profile national figures alongside prominent regional talent, including acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines, TV favourite Kwoklyn Wan, award-winning MasterChef champion Simon Wood, and returning festival favourite Andrew George. Visitors attending the bank holiday gathering will have access to expert kitchen tips, new recipe ideas, and live interactive presentations from bakers, food influencers, and hospitality leaders.
What Can Visitors Expect at the Regional Chefs Theatre?
As reported by Yahoo! News UK, the festival’s Regional Chefs Theatre is designed to offer accessible, non-ticketed masterclasses for all attendees. The live demonstrations will run continuously throughout the four-day event, providing a platform for established industry figures, rising talent, and passionate local experts.
Spectators will be able to watch live cooking, ask questions, and learn techniques directly from professionals spanning various sectors of the food and hospitality industry.
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Who is Featured in the 2026 Chef Line-Up?
As documented by the Bolton Council Press Office, the roster brings together a dynamic mix of media figures and local culinary veterans:
- Michael Caines MBE: Acclaimed restaurateur and chef patron of Lympstone Manor, offering high-end techniques.
- Kwoklyn Wan: Broadcaster and author of the best-selling Chinese Takeaway Cookbook series.
- Simon Wood: MasterChef champion and chef-owner known for modern British fine dining.
- Andrew George: Festival staple known for budget-friendly, family-focused cooking demos.
What Did Local Officials Say About the Announcement?
Highlighting the cultural importance of the gathering, Cllr Debbie Newall, Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, released an official statement:
"The regional chefs are always popular at Bolton Food and Drink Festival, and this year's programme features an outstanding mix of well-known names and exciting local talent. Whether you're a keen home cook, an aspiring chef or simply love great food, there will be plenty of inspiration on offer across the four days."
What Else is Happening at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival?
Sponsored by Peel Land, the festival takes place from Friday, 28 August to Monday, 31 August 2026 across Bolton town centre. Alongside the free Regional Chefs Theatre, the wider event features ticketed celebrity chef stages, hundreds of artisan market stalls, live music stages, and dedicated family entertainment. Full schedules and updates are accessible via boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com.