Bolton Food and Drink Festival reveals sizzling celebrity chef line-up for this summer

Last year, it attracted more than 274,000 people. And the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival will return again this summer, with a star-studded line-up guaranteed to delight foodie fans.

Chef Michael Caines will launch the festival on Friday 23rd August, before hosting a glitzy gala dinner the same night.

“Bolton is always a highlight,” he said. “It’s a great community event bringing people together and I can’t wait to come back.”

Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers will be headlining the August bank holiday weekend event. The pair starred at the festival from 2009 to 2011, but due to filming commitments have not been able to return until now.

They’ll be taking to the stage on the second day of the festival, Saturday 24th August.

“We are beyond excited about coming back to Bolton,” said Si and Dave.

“We had such a great time last time we visited, and we’ve heard brilliant things about how the festival has grown since then. It’s a privilege to be coming back and it’s going to be lots of fun!”

Then MasterChef judge and the nation’s most famous greengrocer Gregg Wallace will showcase recipes on Sunday 25th August. 

“I’m really looking forward to my first visit to the festival – I’ve heard lots of good things about it,” said Gregg.

“I’ll be doing some cooking and am excited to meet some of the fantastic local producers and suppliers.”

Celebrity chef James Martin will appear on Bank Holiday Monday (26th August), the final day of the festival.

“I love this festival,” he said. “To see it grow from its early days to the mammoth event it is now is amazing. It’s an honour to be back.”

Festival goers can also look forward to stalls selling food, drinks and crafts, live music, a gin festival, masterclasses from regional celebrity chefs, street performers, and a family zone.

“What a line-up of amazing chefs for our brilliant event,” said Bolton Council’s chief executive, Tony Oakman.

“The festival is one of the best in the country and the highlight of our events calendar.

“It has put Bolton on the culinary map and attracts hundreds of thousands to our wonderful town.”

The festival runs from 23rd-26th August 2019. Tickets for the celebrity chef demos and the special events are set to go on sale at the end of May.

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