BOSS of Bolton-based craft bakers, Greenhalghs,  praised Bolton Food and Drink Festival ­— and said more such events would help drive footfall back into the town centre.

David Smart's Hand Crafted Real Bread Company was among the hundreds of stalls selling their wares over the bank holiday weekend.

He described the festival as "amazing".

Celebs and leaders react after Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2021

David said: "The weekend has been amazing for businesses in Bolton. But we need more events like this.

“I remember when cars used to come down this street, and it was full of market traders.

“Look at how many people have turned out this weekend. Can we please get back to this? I think this is what our town really needs.”

Mr Smart is also the managing director of the Hand Crafted Real Bread Company.

Employees Katie Ware, Christine Aspin and Stephen Toombs were manning the stall.

A selection of breads were on offer, with a range of different and unique flavours, including a chocolate loaf.

David said: “What we’re selling here is really simple loaves of bread, like what your mother or grandmother used to make. There’s a real market for this.”

Thousands of people visited the town centre for the 16th festival.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough, the executive cabinet member with responsibility for markets, agreed that more markets would be a positive step forward for the town.

She said: “The festival was fantastic. I’m so proud of Bolton

“We have been looking at what we might be able to do in terms of having more artisan markets and re-introducing the Christmas market to the town centre.

“It would be a great benefit to local businesses and to the people of Bolton. I will be having meetings with different officers to discuss what more we can do after what was a hugely successful event over the Bank Holiday weekend.”

Greenhalghs currently employs approximately 950 staff and is one of the largest employers in the Bolton area. The firm, which operates from manufacturing sites in Lostock, has a chain of 59 retail shops.