OUR SPONSORS
Official Tourism Partner- Visit Bolton
With the help of Visit Bolton you can enjoy award-winning events, explore fun and interesting things to do and places to eat and drink, shop and stay.
Whether you’re a local resident looking for hidden gems or a potential visitor looking to plan your next adventure, Visit Bolton has you covered!
MAIN SPONSORS
Orbit Developments
Orbit Developments is a leading commercial property development company with a strong presence in the Northwest of England — particularly in Bolton, where we actively support the town’s growth and development. With a portfolio of over 200 properties, we provide exceptional office, industrial, and retail spaces to businesses of all sizes. Orbit Developments is known for its dedication to quality, sustainability, and creating environments that foster growth and success.
Peel Land
Peel Land is a leading property development and investment company that has been instrumental in some of the UK’s most ambitious and successful regeneration projects. With a focus on sustainability, innovation and placemaking, Peel Land continues to transform cities and communities, creating vibrant places where people want to live, work and thrive.
Step Places
At Step Places, we’re proud to be shaping the future of Bolton through regeneration. In the heart of the town, we’ve delivered high-quality homes with a strong focus on affordability, sustainability, and creating a genuine sense of community. Our vision goes beyond housing as we build a connected, vibrant neighbourhood with green spaces, local retail, and active public spaces and pedestrian routes at its core. We’re proud sponsors of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival, where we’re championing young local chefs and helping nurture emerging talent. It’s part of our commitment to placemaking and the community that celebrates heritage, encourages innovation, and brings lasting value to Bolton.
Watson Homes
More info to follow…
PARTNERS
Bolton Kia
Bolton Kia is proud to be Europe’s No.1 Kia Dealer and is wholly owned by Kia UK. The showroom on Middlebrook Retail Park stocks a wide range of new and used Kia vehicles, including the award-winning Kia Sportage and all-electric Kia EV3.
Carr Pasties
We’re Carrs Pasties, we’re passionate about providing you with quality products and exceptional customer service. The secret to our products is that we use the best ingredients, and we lock in the flavour. With four retail shops, a nationwide delivery service, over 200 trade partners and an event catering service, we’re always here for you.
CBRE
The world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm – is advising Bolton Council on major developments, including Church Wharf and Crompton Place. These projects will deliver hundreds of new homes, public realm and amenity in the heart of Bolton Town Centre, promoting inclusive growth and regeneration.
Clear Futures
Clear Futures has been working in partnership with Bolton Council since 2019. Together, we have delivered over £100m of economic benefit in Bolton by securing grant funding, creating local jobs, supporting local communities, and delivering projects through a locally focused supply chain. The magnificent Library project was awarded NW Regeneration project of the year for 2025, a testament to how the partnership works for the benefit of Bolton.
GM Growth Hub
GM Business Growth Hub is Greater Manchester’s business support organisation. We provide support with funding, innovation, people, sales, and sustainability. Whatever your business and whatever your needs, we provide the right support for you to succeed. Part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Harworth
Harworth Group plc is a leading land and property regenerator of sustainable developments. We own, develop and manage a portfolio of over 15,000 acres of Strategic Land across the North of England and Midlands. Our regeneration of sites such as Logistics North and Hexagon Park supports business growth and the creation of new jobs.
Market Place Bolton
Market Place is proud to sponsor this year’s Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025. We have lots of great food and drink to offer, so make sure you visit us. Whether you’re grabbing a bite or discovering something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Market Place!
Mercure Hotels
Need Accommodation? Mercure Bolton Georgian House is accessed off Junction 6 of the M61. With Horwich Parkway Train Station 5 minutes’ drive away. We are pet friendly and our rooms include: HD TV, High Speed Wifi, Free Parking, Complimentary access to a High Spec Gym.
To book: www.mercurebolton.co.uk
Placefirst
Renting from Placefirst is renting the way it should be. You don’t need to worry about maintenance – we’ve got it covered, and each development has a dedicated Resident Services Manager, ensuring you’re never alone with 24/7 support. We’re landlords who think like renters, committed to providing high-quality, pet-friendly, and energy-efficient homes – everything you’re looking for.
Stateside Foods
Stateside Foods is a prominent food manufacturing business that specialises in supplying supermarket own-label pizzas to major retailers throughout the United Kingdom. With a workforce of over 1100 individuals spread across three factories and multiple facilities in Westhoughton, Bolton, our commitment to excellence has fuelled over three decades of success.
Serco
More info to follow…
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.