Bolton Food Festival Secures Prestigious National Honour
A celebrated food festival in Greater Manchester has achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching a prestigious national award, cementing its status as one of the United Kingdom's premier culinary events. The Bolton Food and Drink Festival, an annual gathering that has been a staple since 2005, has experienced exponential growth, now drawing an impressive crowd of approximately 500,000 attendees each year. This figure notably surpasses the attendance of the iconic Glastonbury Festival, highlighting the festival's immense popularity and widespread appeal.
Expansive Growth and Celebrity Chef Appearances
Held over the late August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival recently commemorated its 20th anniversary with a spectacular four-day extravaganza. The event featured over 180 food stalls and independent vendors, offering a diverse array of culinary delights. Renowned chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Michael Caines, Kwoklyn Wan, and festival regular James Martin graced the occasion, adding star power to the festivities. James Martin, who has participated for 15 consecutive years, expressed his deep affection for the event, noting its evolution and his privilege in being part of its journey.
National Recognition at the Great British Market Awards
The festival's accolades were further enhanced with a victory at the NABMA Great British Market Awards 2026, held in Birmingham on February 5. It was honoured with the Best Large Speciality Market award, with David Catterall, Chief Executive of NABMA, praising the festival for setting a national benchmark in scale, quality, and social value. He also commended it as a leading food and drink festival both in the UK and internationally, underscoring its significant impact.
Community and Council Celebrations
In response to the achievement, festival organisers took to social media to express their gratitude to traders and visitors, emphasising the event's special nature and anticipation for the upcoming edition. Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture at Bolton Council, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the festival's annual growth and its role as a highlight for the community. He credited the success to the collaborative efforts of the markets and events team, sponsors, traders, and visitors, reinforcing Bolton's reputation as a vibrant host for nationally acclaimed events.
Future Prospects and Broader Award Winners
Other winners at the Great British Market Awards 2026 included Barnsley Market for Best Large Indoor Market, Leek Butter and Trestle Market for Best Small Indoor Market, and Bradford Darley Street Market for Best Food Market. Looking ahead, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival is scheduled to return from August 28 to 31 this year, promising an even bigger and better experience for all attendees.
