A MOUTH-WATERING lineup of celebrity chefs has been revealed for this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Ainsley Harriott, Simon Rimmer, James Martin, and Michael Caines will be delighting the crowds at the annual spectacular, which was attended by more than 263,000 people in 2016.

This year’s festival, which will run from August 25 to 28, is set to be bigger and better than ever, having developed a stellar reputation in recent years.

Ainsley will be appearing at the festival for the first time, performing a live cookery demo and hosting an afternoon tea on the Sunday.

The former Ready Steady Cook host and Strictly Come Dancing star said: “I’ve always enjoyed visiting Bolton and I’ve heard great things about this festival. So I can’t wait to come back, get stuck in and meet all the fantastic people.”

Michelin-starred chef Michael will launch the festival, which is organised by Bolton Council in association with Aldi, on the Friday before hosting a gala dinner the same night.

Chef and co-presenter of Channel 4 Sunday Brunch, Simon, will showcase recipes and host a ‘Saturday Brunch’ event.

He said: “I first came to the festival in 2008 when it was a small scale event but over the years it has grown massively in size and reputation. I can’t wait to make a return visit.”

Festival favourite James will be notching up his ninth appearance this year on the final day of the event and is looking forward to returning to Bolton.

He said: “I love this festival, the people are so welcoming. I’ve been doing it for so many years and there is always something new and different to look forward to.”

The festival will also feature cookery demos from top regional chefs, a speciality food, drink and crafts market with more than 200 traders, live music, street performers, and children’s activities.

Tickets for the celebrity chef demos and the special events will go on sale in mid-April.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “The festival is the jewel in the crown of Bolton’s annual events and this year I am sure it will be bigger and better than ever. We have secured the talents of some of the UK’s top celebrity chefs and they are sure to be a hit with the public.”