Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing star Lisa Riley is set to join Bolton Food and Drink Festival to host a special afternoon tea with an Indian twist.

Bury-born actress Lisa, most well known for her role as Mandy Dingle on the ITV soap, will be on hand in the iconic Victorian town hall during the festival weekend, giving fans the opportunity to indulge in a specially curated menu, while having some one-on-one time with the TV legend herself.

Teaming up with Lisa is Bolton’s Sushma Snacks, whose Indian-inspired take on the British classic, has become a fan favourite with local residents - including Lisa.

Lisa said: “Growing up in Bury, I spent a lot of time in neighbouring Bolton, and really fell in love with the town.

“I’m so excited to be hosting a special afternoon tea with a twist and can’t wait to see you all there.

“Whilst we indulge in an Indian-inspired menu created by the brilliant Sushma Snacks, I’ll be spilling all of the tea on my thirty-year career working in TV - sharing some of my favourite on-set stories and backstage secrets.

“You don’t want to miss this.”

Sushma added: “Afternoon tea by Sushma Snacks will exceed your expectations.

"Our Indian-inspired twist on this traditional tea will indulge all of your senses. You’ll never want a classic afternoon tea again, that’s for certain.”

The Bolton News: A selection of the tasty food on offerA selection of the tasty food on offer

Returning for its 17th year, the North West’s biggest food and drink Festival will run for four days where the whole family can enjoy lots of free activities on offer.

It will be packed full of exquisité food and drink, and visitors can expect unrivalled live music and entertainment, more than 180 market stalls and traders, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations; comedy acts, street performers and a whole host of children’s activities.

Bolton Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “Afternoon Tea at Bolton Food and Drink festival is a must-do event.

“We are delighted to welcome Lisa Riley to host this unique event with a twist as part of our all-star line up for 2022.

“The countdown is on to make this year’s August Bank Holiday festival the best one yet.

“All our events are focused on bring families and friends together to make wonderful memories in the centre of Bolton.”

The Bolton News: So much flavour is packed in the foodSo much flavour is packed in the food

The afternoon tea is far from traditional - taking inspiration from her Indian heritage, Sushma’s menu consists of spicy potato and chicken tikka sandwiches.

Each one is packed full of flavour, with edible spoons smothered in crème cheese and smoked salmon.

The menu will also feature chicken samosas, vegetable spring rolls, bhelpuri - an Indian street food classic - and for dessert mouth-watering masala chai scones, raspberry tart with custard, and refreshing mango cups with mint.

Celebrating the very best of Bolton - and surrounding Greater Manchester, guests can also enjoy appearances from the likes of TV chefs The Hairy Bikers, Ainsley Harriott and James Martin.

The event will take place on Saturday August 27 from 2pm onwards.

Tickets for Lisa’s Afternoon Tea with a twist cost £30 each and can be purchased here.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, from August 26 to 29.

For more information on the Bolton Food and Drink Festival click here (www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com).