THERE is a jam-packed menu of events lined up for this year’s Food and Drink Festival.

Now in its sixth year, the festival has spilled over from Victoria Square and stalls will now line Oxford Street and parts of Deansgate, which have been freshly paved in time for the flagship event.

An estimated 75,000 people visited the four day festival in 2010 and more are expected this year.

In addition to the cookery theatre in Victoria Square, and the speciality market, there are also events planned across Bolton during the weekend.

On the eve of the festival, on Thursday night, JJ’s Restaurant (01204 304763), in Blackburn Road, Egerton, is holding a Best of Lancashire, four course dinner.

Diners can enjoy Bury black pudding, locally reared beef, and two pints of Bank Top ale, as well as starters and desserts for £25.

Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant (01204 523887) is holding a 1940s themed weekend while Ye Olde Man and Scythe will again hold its own four-day Cider Festival as well as a heritage tour with a “Bolton Hot Pot” on Monday, August 29.

Tasos Pattichis, owner of Olympus, said: “We’re all dressing up in different outfits, naval officers, army sergeants and land girls. The festival will be a great weekend.”

Olympus will be open from 10am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 8.30pm to 4pm on the Monday.

Meanwhile, curry lovers have a choice on Sunday with Bollywood Night at Spice Valley (01204 388609) or a Bolton Hospice Charity Night at Cinnamon in Marsden Street, in the town centre (01204 388434).

Bringing a European flavour to the festival, La Tasca (01204 692100) will hold a Spanish music and tapas night, while Sokrates Greek Taverna in Horwich (01204 692100) will hold a Greek Meze and Live Music night, both on Sunday.

The speciality market featuring local, regional and specialist traders will be open from 10am until 5pm throughout the festival. Tickets for cookery demonstrations for celebrity chefs, James Martin and Gino D’Acampo are still available and can be bought from the Albert Halls box office on 01204 334400.

For details on more events that will be happening across Bolton go to boltonfoodanddrink festival.com