Bolton Food and Drink Festival Clinches National Award – A Culinary Celebration

The Bolton Food and Drink Festival, a beloved Greater Manchester event, has recently garnered national recognition, enhancing its reputation as one of the UK's premier food festivals. After more than two decades of culinary celebration, this festival continues to attract immense crowds and earn accolades.

Celebrating Two Decades of Culinary Excellence

Since its inception in 2005, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival has become a staple in the regional calendar, bringing in approximately 500,000 attendees every year, far surpassing even the famous Glastonbury Festival. What started as a small event has grown into a grand showcase of food, drinks, and celebrity chefs, marking its 20th edition last August with a vibrant four-day celebration.

A National Award for Excellence

This year, the festival received the prestigious 'Best Large Speciality Market' award at the NABMA Great British Market Awards 2026. This accolade acknowledges the festival's outstanding quality, scale, and societal impact. David Catterall, Chief Executive of NABMA, highlighted the festival's role as a benchmark for excellence in the culinary event sphere, both nationally and internationally.

Voices of Celebration

James Martin, a returning face at the festival for over 15 years, expressed his pride in being part of this evolving event. His sentiments reflect the festival's growth and its significance to participants and attendees alike. The festival's social media announced the achievement with gratitude towards the traders and visitors who contribute to its success year after year.

Looking Forward: A Thriving Future

Cllr Nadeem Ayub of Bolton Council echoed the jubilant sentiments, sharing his excitement for the continued growth and importance of the festival. The event stands as a crucial highlight for both traders and visitors, reinforcing Bolton's reputation as a welcoming host for nationally significant events.

The next chapter of this culinary journey awaits, with the Bolton Food and Drink Festival scheduled to occur from August 28 to 31 this year. As anticipation builds, the community looks forward to yet another year of celebration, flavor, and camaraderie.