MAD scientists, giant animals, and a world class racing car will converge on Bolton town centre this Saturday.

The attractions are part of an event organised by Bolton Council to promote this year's Food and Drink Festival.

A mad science zone, a climbing wall and a mini golf course – as well as costumed animals – will be on offer in Victoria Square. The animals will help promote The Market Place’s new Amazonian themed playzone which is being built in the refurbished vaults.

Meanwhile, motoring enthusiasts can see the University of Bolton’s Ginneta-Nissan LMP3.

But no food festival event is complete without food.

Former Coronation Street star Sean Wilson, now award-winning cheese maker and chef, will be selling a range of cheeses and will be joined by Bolton Market traders Nkono and Shima Rice and Noodles.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “The festival has evolved each year and we now have a festival that is recognised as being one of the best in the country.

“I’d like to thank our sponsors and partners as without them we wouldn’t be able to arrange such a fantastic festival.”

Street entertainers will be present and supermarket giant Aldi, which has organised the event alongside Bolton Council, will be giving out freebies.

The University of Bolton, the Market Place Shopping Centre, Stateside Foods and Willmott Dixon have also sponsored the event.

Celebrities in attendance at this year's Food and Drink Festival on August Bank Holiday, will include Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, Aussie chef John Torode, festival favourite James Martin and wine experts Oz Clarke and Kate Goodman.

A marquee will be open in Victoria Square, from 11am to 3pm, providing information about the demonstrations on offer.

Tickets for the chefs and special events are available from the Octagon Theatre, via www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com or 01204 520661.

The box office is open 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

For more information, either visit the website, follow Bolton Food and Drink Festival page on Facebook or @boltonfoodfest on Twitter.