Bolton Food and Drink Festival got off to a magical start with thousands of people descending on the town as it returned for its twelfth year.

The event- which is promised to be the biggest and best yet- was launched with a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party at ‘Alice’s Wonderland Marquee’ situated close to the town hall.

The marquee, which will be one of the main children’s attraction during the festival, recreated the feel of Lewis Carroll’s classic, with the centre piece being a huge cake featuring the caterpillar from the story.

The launch was compered by Rosie ‘Cake Diva’ Dummer and those present at the event were treated to special performances from West End actor Philip Starnier, dressed as The White Rabbit and singer Lauren Samuels.

There were also speeches from Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris and the chief executive Margaret Asquith before the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Roger Hayes declared the festival officially open.

Virgil Simpson of the festival’s headline sponsor, Aldi, also spoke at the launch.

Festival ambassador and Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines returned for the seventh consecutive year and told The Bolton News that he was as ‘excited’ as ever about the event.

He said: “It's great that Bolton Council and the sponsors can put this event on and the energy and ideas they put in.

“They are always forward thinking, it's exciting you can attract people like James Martin and Ainsley Harriott as well as local chefs.”

And he added that the festival was hugely important in bringing the community together and boosting the profile of the town.

He said: “Despite the economy improving there are still a few challenges there. Not everybody feels like they are being included but this event brings people into the town centre, people feel like they can come and be a part of it.

“And I think within it is definitely a day out for the family which is a big part of its success and appeal.

“The line-up of chefs we have and the reputation of the festival over the years is testament to the achievement of the festival.

“In terms of numbers they have built on that every year and it wouldn’t surprise me if they repeat that this year.

“It’s got a great reputation nationally as a great festival and internationally as well. It’s a bank holiday weekend and people are looking for somewhere to go and this festival attracts a lot of people to it.”