INCLUDING celebrity chefs and pop-up restaurants in Bolton town centre’s Winter Festival this year is very clever planning.

We already know how popular the annual Food and Drink Festival is and what a terrific tourist attraction it is for the town centre, so replicating at least some successful elements of it makes seasonal sense.

While the ice skating rinks and usual attractions might not suit everyone, adding masterchefs, cookery demonstrations and foodie fun should broaden the festive scope and definitely encourage more visitors. This is good news for the central retail scene, and creates a feelgood factor for the town.