Key Points
· James Martin described the Bolton Food and Drink Festival as “the best festival in the world.”
· The festival celebrated its 18th birthday with record-breaking attendance of over 500,000 visitors, an increase of 40,000 from the previous year.
· This year featured a lineup of celebrity chefs including first-timers Gok Wan and Nisha Katona alongside James Martin.
· The event showcased over 180 artisan stalls, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and comedy dining experiences.
· Bolton Council leaders praised the festival for boosting local economy and cultural reputation.
· The festival's success is attributed to the passion of organisers and strong council support.
· James Martin has appeared at the festival for 15 years and shared memories of its growth from a small setup to a major event.
· Various sponsors and partners support the festival, making it possible to deliver a diverse programme.
· Festival events included cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, music stages, and innovative social events like DJ nights and immersive theatre dining.
What Did James Martin Say About the Festival?
As reported by The Bolton News, James Martin, a popular TV chef, praised the Bolton Food and Drink Festival as “the best festival in the world.” Reflecting on his long association with the event, now in its 18th year, Martin told the media:
“It was a little marquee and a handful of stalls, but the response was amazing and very, very quickly it's morphed into what it’s become so it’s been a privilege to be asked back... 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.
People just think about a food festival, this is so much more.
You can come here for the entire day and just walk around and I think that’s what draws people to keep coming back.
I think the difference is with this, the council is as passionate about it as everybody else and I think that’s the key, without that, it just wouldn’t work.” [The Bolton News, James Martin statement]
James Martin has been a staple of the festival, marking his 15th year in 2025 with exclusive demos and new recipes to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event.
How Big Was the Festival This Year?
This year's Bolton Food and Drink Festival drew an independently verified record attendance of over 500,000 visitors, surpassing last year’s figures by over 40,000. The event, recognised as the biggest food and drink festival in the UK, took over Bolton town centre with over 180 artisan stalls and a packed programme of food, entertainment, and activities.
Bolton Council reported the milestone as a major success, with Leader Cllr Nick Peel commenting:
“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.
The town centre was buzzing with happy, smiling people, and bringing income to the traders and Bolton businesses is a real boost to the local economy.” [The Bolton News, Cllr Nick Peel: web*
What Events and Entertainment Did the Festival Offer?
According to The Bolton News and Creative Tourist coverage, the festival’s variety of activities made it appeal to visitors of all ages and tastes. Highlights included:
Celebrity chef demonstrations featuring James Martin, Gok Wan, Nisha Katona, and Ainsley Harriott.
Family-friendly entertainment such as Bolton’s own beach party, Little Chefs Academy, and Jungle Book-themed activities at The Octagon Theatre.
Music stages with live acts that carried festival-goers into the evening.
Innovative social events including a first-ever DJ night The Afterparty and immersive comedy theatre dining experiences like Faulty Towers and Live and Let Dine.
Food offerings ranged from artisan street food stalls to themed brunches like the popular Bottomless Brunch at Albert Bar.
Festival merchandise and wristbands created a festive atmosphere for attendees embracing the event spirit.
This rich assortment of events reinforced the festival’s reputation as “so much more than a food festival,” a sentiment echoed by James Martin and local councillors alike.
How Does Bolton Council Support the Festival?
Culture is central to Bolton’s identity, and the Food and Drink Festival is a key event showcasing the town at its best. Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, emphasised this:
“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 who may not have been here before, is outstanding and really puts us on the map as a destination.
I am sure many of them will return to explore everything our town has to offer including our many other popular events, leading theatres, and our wider cultural offer.
It has certainly been an 18th birthday to remember and I look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.” [The Bolton News, Cllr Nadeem Ayub: webe council’s passion and active involvement have evidently played a crucial role in the festival’s evolution and success, creating a vibrant environment supported by strong partnerships.
Who Supports the Festival?
The Bolton Food and Drink Festival depends on the support of numerous sponsors and partners, which were acknowledged as vital for delivering the event. Major contributors included:
Headline sponsors: Peel L&P.
Main sponsors: Stateside Foods, Vertu, Step Places, BWFC, Agilisys, and the University of Bolton.
Partners: Place First, Clear Futures, Carrs Pasties, Bolton at Home, Warburtons, GMCA, Wagamama, Impression Ltd, Mercure Georgian House, and Serco Leisure Trust. [The Bolton News]
This collaborative effort between the council, local businesses, and sponsors provides the resources and infrastructure to make the festival a highlight on both regional and national calendars.