Thousands expected as festival gets under way (From Leigh Journal)

Thousands expected as festival gets under way

10:09am Saturday 28th August 2010 in Video By Steven Thompson

A HEADY cocktail of mouthwatering smells hung in the air as Bolton’s fifth Food and Drink Festival started on Friday.

German Bratwurst, Spanish chorizo and paella, Greek olives and Dutch pancakes were on offer — alongside frothy beer at the Bavarian Bierkeller.

The festival has become a major date in the Bolton calendar and will bring 50,000 visitors to the town centre over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Organised by Bolton Council, the event has attracted sponsors in the shape of Warburtons, Bluemantle and Love Food Hate Waste, and is expected to provide a timely boost for other town centre businesses.

Opening the festival, the Mayor of Bolton Cllr John Byrne said: “It is bigger and better than ever this year. I have been involved with the festival every year since it started and it has just grown and grown.”

Festival-goers agreed that the event was a success.

Candice McArdle, aged 29, from Bromley Cross, said: “I think it’s great.

There’s lots to see and the smells — oh my goodness.”

Barbara Nicholson, aged 46, from Radcliffe, added: “It looks good and seems a lot bigger this year.

“There’s a lot of variety and the food smells fabulous.”

The market in Victoria Square boasts 60 specialist producers from across the North West, as well as some of the best foods from around the world.

Demonstrations from celebrity chefs Gino D’Acampo, James Martin and the Hairy Bikers sold out in record time but the council has laid on additional free performances from other top chefs in the cookery theatre.

The Hairy Bikers were set to appear today, Gino will cook on Sunday and James Martin will cook on Monday.

● Interviews with the Hairy Bikers and Gino D’Acampo will appear in Monday’s The Bolton News.

For more information about the festival, go to boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com