Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns
Fri 22nd – Mon 25th August
GRUB, GROOVES & GOOD TIMES
We are delighted to announce that our award-winning Bolton
Food & Drink Festival will return this August bank holiday.
Join us at our 20th festival for celebrity and regional chef demos, loads of artisan stalls, live music stage, children’s activities, plus lots of special events. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to our town centre and we’re busy planning an amazing festival with a packed bank holiday full of food, fun, and celebration not to be missed!
WHAT’S ON
VIEW FULL SCHEDULE
JAMES MARTIN
On Monday, 25 August, James Martin returns to Bolton Food and Drink Festival for his 15th year, and he’s got some tasty new recipes to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary.

MARCO PIERRE WHITE
On Saturday, 23 August, Marco Pierre White, renowned chef and restaurateur will be making his debut at Bolton Food and Drink Festival for our 20th anniversary!

MARCO PIERRE WHITE- Q&A
Want to find out all about Marco? Why not join us for his exclusive Q&A session where he will look back on some of his best moments as being a chef. Includes ploughmans lunch and complimentary drink.
Saturday
15:00-16:00

FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Join us for the world’s most sought-after show based on the iconic BBC series Fawlty Towers located in the Festival Hall in the Albert Halls.
Saturday
19:30pm – 22:30pm


EAST 17
East 17 are a renowned British music group known for their pop-rock, dance-pop, hip-hop, and rap sound.
Sunday
21:00-22:00

WINE TASTING WITH HELEN MCGINN
Join us for an unforgettable experience with drink experts and wine judge Helen McGinn as she hosts a wine and cheese tasting extravaganza!
Sunday
13:00-14:00

AFTERNOON TEA WITH HELEN MCGINN
Join us for a wonderful afternoon tea and wine tasting hosted by drinks expert and international wine judge Helen McGinn
Sunday
15:00-16:00


ODYSSEY
THE GLORY DAYS of top vocal group Odyssey, one of the most successful soul/disco acts of their era!
Saturday
21:00-22:00
A RECAP OF LAST YEAR…
FAQ’S
When is the festival taking place and where is it?
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2025 is taking place over the August bank holiday weekend from Friday 22nd August to Monday 25th August 2025.
The festival site is spread across the Town centre we suggest heading to Victoria Square Information point on arrival to pick up a free Bolton Food and Drink Festival Guide and plan your day from there!
Are there any free cookery demonstrations taking place?
Yes, there are!
There are plenty of free cookery demonstrations taking place at Bolton Victoria Square.
Each year we aim to bring a great line up of some of the region’s finest established and up and coming chefs, and 2025 promises to be no different. The full running order will be available online once all our chefs are confirmed.
How do I buy tickets for the Celebrity Chef Cookery demos and the other special events?
You can buy your tickets on our website or via the telephone booking line 01204 520661. OAlternatively, you can also purchase by visiting the Octagon Theatre Box Office located at: Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft S, Bolton BL1 1SB.
Please note children over the age of 2 years will need their own ticket. Children under the age of 2 are able to sit on an adult’s lap.
Can I buy tickets at the Festival?
We always recommend pre-booking your tickets to avoid disappointment as our events are very popular and usually sell out.
Tickets can be purchased on our website at anytime, via the telephone booking line 01204 520661, or by visiting the Octagon Theatre Box Office located at: Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft S, Bolton BL1 1SB.
Do I need tickets to visit the festival?
Our festival is free to enter and is set across Bolton town centre. As well as our fantastic markets, there are lots of free activities taking place right across the site, from street performers, children’s activities, music on the stages to regional chef cookery demonstrations at Bolton Victoria Square.
What do I do if I have special dietary requirements?
For the Faulty Towers Dining Experience we would ask that you let us know at the time of booking if you have any specific dietary requirements.
Please be aware we cannot guarantee a completely nut free option and that our suppliers have been able to prepare the food in a nut free environment.
How is the seating laid out in the Festival Hall?
The James Martin celebrity chef cookery demo seating is laid out in rows of numbered seats. The Marco Pierre White chef cookery demo and Wine Tasting with Helen McGinn will take place on round tables.
You will be able to book seats so that you know before arrival where you will be sitting, and our friendly staff will help to direct you to your place easily when you arrive.
Please advise us at time of booking via the online chat on the booking page or but phoning 01204 520661 if you have any mobility issues so that we can help you select the best seat for your requirements.
What is the difference between ticket prices?
The price levels for tickets vary depending up on the type of demonstration and location.
This year again at each of the celebrity cookery demonstrations we are offering a limited number of VIP seats that place you near the action on front row seats.
Are there any provisions for visitors with disabilities or special requirements in the ticketed events?
The Albert Halls is wheelchair friendly. There is confirmed space for wheelchair users per cookery demonstration but please talk to a member of the booking team (at the time of booking) so that we can ensure you and your party are seated together. If a member of your party has mobility issues please do advise staff at the time of booking in order that provision can be made where possible.
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be in attendance at both celebrity chef cookery demonstrations.
Are there any provisions for visitors with disabilities or special requirements in the Regional Chef demonstration area?
The regional chef area location on Victoria Square is fully wheelchair friendly.
Are group tickets available for the celebrity chef demonstrations and can I reserve coach parking in Bolton town centre?
Group tickets can be reserved for each of the demonstrations on a first come, first served basis via the online booking system. We are able to offer FREE coach parking in Bolton town centre for groups visiting the festival. For more details call Bolton Council’s Tourism line on 01204 336167 or email tourism@bolton.gov.uk
Where can I find out more about the traders at the artisan market?
We have food and drink for everyone’s tastes so get together with family and friends at this year’s festival, with loads of market stalls spread right across the town centre.
We’re busy finalising our traders for this year and you’ll be able to find a full list on our Traders A-Z page very soon.
You’ll be spoilt for choice on what to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner so drop by and sample food and drink from the four corners of the globe in our fantastic markets. With plenty of seating for you to sit and enjoy your meal.
When you’ve had your fill don’t forget to check out the arts and crafts stalls for some unique gifts as well as the fantastic art created by local artists.
A full list of traders and a map, will be posted here nearer to the festival date.
What else is happening at the festival?
Event | Time Daily | Venue |
Artisan markets | 10am – 6pm (5pm Monday) | Across the Festival Site |
Festival Garden | 10am – 6pm (5pm Monday) | Howell Croft |
Children’s and Family zone | 10am – 4pm | The Octagon, Central Library Space, Elizabeth Park |
Music programme on main stage | 11am – 10pm (6pm Monday) | Le Mans Crescent |
Music programme acoustic stage | Victoria Square South | |
Regional chef cookery demos | 10am – 6pm (4pm Monday) | Victoria Square North |
How do I book a stall at the festival?
Booking for stalls has now closed for 2025, however should you have any queries please contact the Markets Team, Bolton Council at (01204) 333612 or email bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk
How can I find out more about sponsorship or advertising opportunities?
Please call 07909097951 or email sponsorship@bolton.gov.uk
Where can I find out more information?
Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BoltonFoodAndDrinkFestival and follow us on X @boltonfoodfest or Instagram @boltonfoodfest too to get the latest news and any extra information over the bank holiday weekend.
During the festival weekend if you have any questions please visit the specially staffed Festival Information Point. This information point will be located on Victoria Square (please see site map for exact locations).
What music and entertainment is there at the festival?
This year there is a full programme of music and entertainment planned, with the return of our popular main bar and stage on Le Mans Crescent and our acoustic stage on Victoria Square.
Full event listings and timings will be available online under the What’s On page (Link) and will also be printed within the main festival guide (the most up to date listings will always be online, any changes to the line-up will be messaged via our social media channels – Facebook / Twitter / Instagram).
Over the weekend keep your eyes peeled for some fantastic street entertainment too, with comedy acts and mime artists there’s sure to be someone or something (!) to catch the eye.
Where can I park?
Visit the ‘Travel information’ page (Link) for all the latest travel and parking details.
Can dogs attend the festival?
Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome to the festival.