FOOD lovers were licking their lips as they were given a taster of the treats to come at Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

A marquee was set up at Middlebrook Retail Park on Saturday for shoppers to enjoy free cookery demonstrations — and a few samples — by several chefs.

They included Duncan Dickinson, from Herb and Spice in Altrincham, Paulo Pedrosa from Chiquito, and Mike Harrison, from The Wellbeing Farm in Edgworth.

Lancashire baker Justine Forrest, who in 2010 won Michael Winner’s Dining Stars, an ITV cookery contest show, gave cake baking demonstrations.

Street entertainers Woody The One Man Band and chefs on stilts Gino and Gino proved a hit with the children.

There were also several stalls selling food, as well as a balloon modeller and face painter.

Jacqui Roberts, aged 71, from Lowton, enjoyed the cookery demonstration by Mr Dickinson. She said: “The demonstration was wonderful. It was very interesting and it’s given me some ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of.

“I didn’t know about the food and drink festival until now, but I will definitely be going.”

Stan Franks, aged 61, from Chorley, said: “I thought the demonstration was good. It gave me a good insight to what he does and I picked up a couple of ideas.”

Michelle Booth, aged 42, from Horwich, said: “I think this is fantastic. My daughter saw the face painting and balloons and is enjoying herself.

“I didn’t know about the food festival, but they told me about it and it sounds great. I’ll be there.”

The event was held to promote the eighth annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

The four-day extravaganza starts on Friday and will be held in Victoria Square.

There will be demonstrations by celebrity chefs, including Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Aldo Zilli and James Martin, as well as a host of regional chefs.

More than 80 stalls will sell fresh produce, food and crafts, street entertainers will perform, and a host of local bands will play.

Youngsters can enjoy the fun at a free Children’s Food and Fun Emporium in Crompton Place shopping centre.