FROM competitive curling to foodie feasts and magical markets, this year’s Bolton Winter Festival has got something for everyone. A group of Bolton News reporters took to the ice (and the bar) to find out what is on offer.

BOLTON Council took a brave decision when planning this year’s Winter Festival — the popular big wheel and giant winter slide attractions have been scrapped in favour of a more artisan approach, with foodie feasts inside giant teepees, cookery demonstrations and specialist market stalls.

But fun-lovers do not fear, as well as retaining the showpiece ice rink in Victoria Square, this year’s festival brings something new to the table in the form of a specialist ice curling rink.

I was challenged by some other media types to rally my Bolton News colleagues for a winner-takes-all face-off for the coveted title of best-curling journalists in Bolton.

Our friendly instructor took us through the basics of the sport and split us into teams of girls and boys.

He showed us a couple of different methods, ranging from the safe (and dry) option of avoiding an all-round knee slide and using a pole to push the hefty stones along the ice and towards the target.

With the scores tied, heading into the deciding final round, I went where none of my fellow journalists had dared to and committed to the knee-soaking slide option — which proved to be a successful choice as I blasted the girl’s stone out of the way and out of contention.

It was certainly enjoyable to be able to try our hand at something completely different in the middle of Bolton town centre and, once I have dried off, I will definitely go back for another go.

Following our memorable victory, my fellow reporters Andrew Bardsley, Kate McMullin and I joined instructor Tony Boynton and took to the main ice rink to try out our best Torvill and Dean impressions.

Considering it is in the middle of a busy town centre, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of space you have to skate — although this was far from my colleagues’ thoughts as they desperately clung to the children’s penguin skating aids for stability.

After all that icy fun, we were invited inside one of the giant teepees that have been set-up in Victoria Square to sample some of the tasty treats on offer, courtesy of Bolton-born chef Mike Harrison and his Chef to Go business.

Mr Harrison — a winner at this year’s Bolton News Business Awards — cooked up a delightful tasting menu featuring everything from sloppy joes to quesadillas, potato cakes to the delicious chicken and waffles.

After that, there was just time for a quick trip round the Artisan Market in Deansgate, where 25 traders will be in place until December 6.

Stall holder Susie Morreale offered us some mouth-watering cakes from her Little Round Cake Company as the ideal after lunch treat.

For a full list of events, attractions, times and prices visit visitbolton.com/winterfestival/