This August Bank Holiday weekend, the town centre will host the 16th Bolton Food and Drink Festival bringing a host of foodie fun and entertainment for everyone.
Whilst the main marquee may not be here this year, join us and our headline sponsor Aldi, for some exciting and unique events in the Chef’s Zone in Market Place Shopping Centre.
To avoid disappointment, remember to book ahead online as spaces are limited.
Saturday 28 August – Beer and Cheese Tasting
A pairing of Craft Beer with Chorlton Cheesemongers cheeses
An exciting new addition this year is the beer and cheese pairing sessions with a local brewery in collaboration with Chorlton Cheesemongers.
30 people per session will be able to hear the experts talk through five freshly brewed craft beers, all beautifully paired with five distinct and different cheeses.
You’ll learn how beer and cheese is made, the stories behind each taste and why they’ve been paired.
The event includes:
- Guided pairing from two experts
- Cheese – 5 portions
- Beer – 5 1/3rds
- Plus supporting nibbles
Ticketed event, over 18s only.
Price: £15.
2 sessions: 12.30pm and 3pm – 30 places per session.
Sunday 29th August – An audience with Jean-Christophe Novelli
Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli is making a welcome return to the festival this year.
Not only can visitors see Jean-Christophe cook up a storm in our FREE regional chef demos, you’re also invited to join him for an extra special ‘audience with’ event.
This is your chance to get up close and personal with one of the country’s most acclaimed chefs and ask him questions about his career – or even for his top tips on cooking the perfect Tarte Tatin!
Attendees will be fed and watered throughout the event, with three fabulous courses from the Mayor of Bolton’s recently published recipe book and drinks courtesy of headline sponsor Aldi.
Menu includes three courses: Starter, Main and Dessert – please advise dietary requirements at time of booking (vegetarian and vegan substitute courses will be available).
Ticket event, suitable for 12 years and upwards.
Price: £25 per person
1 session: 1pm.
Monday 30 August – Microgreens Masterclass
Join Paul De Cosat Greaves from Koppert Cress, the leading provider of micro-greens to chefs across the world who will explain how micro-greens are shaping the culinary future.
This is the event for serious foodies.
If you don’t know your Broccoli Cress from your Majii Leaf and want to learn how to turn good food into great food with simple additions, this entertaining and informative session is a must.
Koppert Cress is renowned for its sustainable practices and the nutritional value of the food produced, adding micro-green flavour and style to some of the most creative dishes and cocktails.
Ticketed event, includes tastings.
Price: £5
2 sessions: 11.30am–1.00pm and 1.30pm – 3.00pm.
All Weekend: Foraging! In Queens Park
Take a break from the fast-paced world we live in and connect with nature in this unique, informative special event with Colin Unsworth, Forager from New Forest Horizons.
Wherever you are there is food to be foraged.
Plants, berries, nuts, and mushrooms both edible and medicinal, the natural world around us is full of surprises and useful things.
Take a leisurely walk of discovery around Queens Park in the town centre.
Slow down, have a chat and share your knowledge.
You never know what nature’s larder has to offer.
There’s always something to be foraged from plants to berries and nuts to mushrooms, and expert forager Colin has a wealth of information about them all.
Includes 1 ½ hour walk around the park plus drink and snack at the Pavilion Café.
Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited.
Price: £10 per person.
Sessions:
- Friday August 28: 10am-12noon
- Saturday August 29: 10.30am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-4.30pm
- Sunday August 30: 10.30am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-4.30pm
- Monday August 31: 10am-12noon
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for markets, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said:
“After not being able to have a live event in 2020, I am absolutely thrilled to see such a varied and exciting array of activities for this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
“I know my grandchildren will be eager to join in the foraging walk in Queens Park and I will be heading straight for the Microgreens Masterclass to learn how I can add these to my everyday cooking.
“I encourage everyone across the northwest to come and see what we have to offer at the Food and Drink Festival in Bolton on the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Bolton Food and Drink Festival is made possible thanks to a wide range of sponsors and supporters.
These include headline sponsors Aldi and premier sponsors Warburtons, the nation’s favourite baker.
They are joined by main sponsors Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Bolton Council’s Community Champions programme.
For detailed information and timings visit www.
