AS BOLTON Food & Drink Festival drew to a close last night, the leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “What a festival. What an event. We have been blessed with such wonderful weather.

“We absolutely agree with James Martin that the festival is the best in the country.

The Bolton News:

“Everyone I’ve spoken to has been delighted and enjoyed it so much. It has been an amazing advert for the town to our investors. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“There has been something for all the family – amazing cuisine from all over the world, a feast of live music, lots of fun for all the family and, of course, some of the best loved and talented chefs in the country demonstrating their skills in Bolton town centre.

The Bolton News:

Thank you to all the staff who put a lot of hard work and of course all of our sponsors, especially Aldi, without whom we could not hold such a major event.”

The festival hosted 237 traders and celebrity guests including The Hairy Bikers, Masterchef star Gregg Wallace, James Martin and Michael Caines. They were joined by cooks from around the world making Spanish, Greek, Turkish and African food as well as range of other dishes.

The Bolton News:

Crowds filled Victoria Square over a scorching four days.