Bolton Food and Drink Festival has been named Best Large Speciality Market at the NABMA Great British Market Awards 2026.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival has been named Best Large Speciality Market at the NABMA Great British Market Awards 2026, recognising the festival as one of the leading food and drink events in the UK and internationally.
The National Association of British Market Authorities (NAMBA) judging panel recognised the annual bank holiday event as a national benchmark for scale, quality and social value.
Showcasing top class cooking from world renowned chefs, cultural celebration and community spirit, the festival attracts over half a million visitors across four days, supports local business and is a source of local pride.
The award is even more significant this year as the festival will be celebrating its 21st year this when it returns on 28 – 31 August.
David Catterall, Chief Executive of NAMBA said:
“Bolton Food and Drink Festival is regarded as one of the very best in the UK and internationally and sets a national benchmark for large-scale speciality markets.
“Curated and delivered by the markets team, the festival hosts 200 plus specialist traders; world-renowned celebrity chefs, and last year attracted over 550,000 across 4 days.
“The festival delivers strong social value through the government Holiday Activities and Food Programme, enabling children and families most in need to purchase food directly from traders, ensuring dignity in choice and a guaranteed trader's income.
“This festival embeds social values; unites the whole town within a connected event and is an ambassador and leader for the future of speciality markets in the UK.”
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture said:
“We are thrilled to receive this national recognition for Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
“The event continues to grow each year and is very much a highlight of the year for traders and visitors alike.
“The success is down to the markets and events team, sponsors, traders and of course visitors who make this event so special.
“Bolton is proud of its reputation as a vibrant and welcoming host for nationally acclaimed events and we look forward to coming back bigger and better than ever this August.”
NABMA is the leading organisation representing nearly 300 UK Market operators, including local authorities and private operators, proving support, training, and promotion for retail and wholesale markets across the country.