This year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival proved to be a massive success, with over 400,000 visitors to the town centre over a bumper Bank Holiday Weekend.
Supported by headline sponsor Aldi, the festival made a spectacular return after crowds were kept away in 2020.
Shoppers, traders and celebrity guests were unanimous in their praise for the four-day event which brought a festival atmosphere back to the town centre.
Visitors enjoyed browsing 120 market stalls, listening to more than 80 live music acts, and taking part in a wide range of family-friendly activities.
Traders reported unprecedented demand with many having to repeatedly restock over the course of the four-day festival.
The good weather also helped bring in the crowds with many taking advantage of extra seating areas and the Queens Park Picnic Zone to cool off.
After the uncertainty of the last 18 months, this Bank Holiday Weekend showed without a doubt that Bolton still knows how to put on a show.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, said:
“I was delighted to see so many people back in Bolton town centre over the weekend.
“We welcomed more than 400,000 visitors over the four days which matches what has been achieved in previous years.
“After the uncertainty of the last 18 months, this Bank Holiday Weekend showed without a doubt that Bolton still knows how to put on a show.
“We want to build on this success and look forward to being bigger and better next year.”
Visitor numbers for the Bolton Food and Drink Festival are independently verified by foot-fall counters working across all four days of the event.
Changes were made to the normal festival layout to make it easier to social distance.
Vaccination drop-in centres operated in the town centre over the weekend and teams handed out home COVID test kits.
This year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival was made possible thanks to the support of a wide range of sponsors.
These included headline sponsors Aldi and premier sponsors Warburtons, the nation’s favourite baker.
They were joined by main sponsors Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Bolton Council’s Community Champions programme.
Further support came from event partners Robertson, Impression, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Bolton at Home, Carrs Pasties, Market Place Shopping Centre, the University of Bolton and City Fibre.