The Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns this August bank holidayas the internationally acclaimed event celebrates 18 years in the town.
The award-winning festival is the biggest of its kind in the North West, bringing together celebrity and regional chefs, cooking demos, live music, street entertainment, special events and over 200 market traders.
Running across the long weekend, festivities will kick off on Friday 25 August and run through until Monday 28 August with special events including Bottomless Brunch, comedy dining experiences and a one-time DJ set from TV personality Gok Wan.
Hosted across the town centre, foodies can roam freely as they explore two dedicated music stages, bars, food stalls and plenty more at the free-to-attend festival – from unique gifts to local artwork.
Here’s everything you can expect if you’re heading down over the August bank holiday.
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Food and drink
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: What’s Your Beef
Be the first to try out some scrumptious cuisine from around the world, with over 200 food traders across the town centre on the bank holiday serving everything from burgers and homemade Scotch eggs to Turkish shawarma, donuts, and smokey barbecued meats.
Discover markets, brilliant local food and drink, plus special ticketed events such as Bottomless Brunch, and theatrical dinners like the Fawlty Towers and Live and Let Live Dining Experiences.
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This year’s festival will also host lavish bottomless brunches across the weekend in celebration of its eighteenth year in the wonderful Albert Halls complex, featuring a delicious brunch and a wide range of drinks and boozy cocktails.
As for further street food traders to check out, keep your eyes peeled for dedicated roly poly traders Roly Poly Ltd, mezze from Greek Street Food, and Bolton favourite Istanbul’s Kitchen.
Chef demos
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Kicking the weekend off with a bang is festival ambassador Michael Caines, who held two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years. Fresh from Lympstone Manor, the much-loved celebrity chef ambassador launches the flagship festival on Friday morning. You’ll be able to catch him in a free cookery demo too.
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Starting the show on Saturday is a festival newbie and much-loved chef, stylist, DJ, author and presenter Gok Wan, taking a spin in the kitchen and showcasing some of his delicious Chinese cooking.
Sunday will welcome another new face to the festival when business owner, charity founder, author, food presenter and TV cook, Nisha Katona MBE joins Team Bolton for the first time, leading the way for a spectacular Sunday spread.
Mowgli Street Food’s Nisha will be showcasing her love of Indian cooking in a range of cookery demos bringing new simple recipes to Bolton and sharing her infectious passion for all things food.
As usual, Monday is headlined by festival icon James Martin, whose ever-popular cookery demos bring with them a love of cuisines from around the world and a lesson on how to recreate some tasty dishes.
MasterChef 2023 winner Chariya Khattiyot will also join as part of the festival’s regional chef demos, as will Gok Wan’s brother, Kwoklyn Wan, who is a chef on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch and Amazon Prime series Man With A Wok.
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Music
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
More than 70 performers will descend on the two live stages, with a variety of music and entertainment from around the world, all completely free for festival visitors.
From Irish dancers, choirs, soul, funk, jazz, folk, Latin American, indie, rock, dance and pop, there is something for everybody to enjoy while you soak up the festival atmosphere.
Music lovers can revel in the delights of national artists as well as local performers including Tommy Govan, Mike Roberts, Danny Quin, Conor Peploe, Will Edgar, Holly Jenkinson and John Doyle.
With performers from nine to 80 years old, the festival welcomes all ages at the Festival Main Stage on Le Mans Crescent and the Acoustic Stage on Victoria Square.
Headlining on Friday and making their full band debut at the festival, will be Bolton’s own, The Shed Project plus special guests.
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The band, influenced by the Madchester sound of The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, are joined by Marseille, The Jace Campbell Band and The Marbellas.
The fun continues on Saturday as highlights include loop-based, live music dance trio, Scratch Trio, performing popular classic dance anthems.
In addition, alongside the UK’s premier 1980s Electronica/New Wave tribute band, Electromantics are 5-piece band, Baiana Band, playing Brazilian jazz, pop, funk and soul.
Sunday is equally as entertaining with Stax of Soul, a nine-piece soul band born and bred in Greater Manchester, headlining as part of their 40th-anniversary tour.
If you missed the recent tour, then this one’s for you – joining them is Bolton-born Lou Nichols delivering a rocking set of Pink’s greatest hits.
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Entertaining Latin music lovers is Guacamaya Latin Band, with the best South American rhythms and most popular songs in Europe.
Last but not least and joining the lineup on Bank Holiday Monday is Bhangra Smash Up, a 3-piece, high-energy drumming band playing popular chart and dance music.
Closing the festivities are five-piece party band, The Shivers, covering your favourite party songs and guilty pleasures. The perfect way to celebrate the festival turning 18!
The live music stages are free to enter and no tickets are required. But you can quench your thirst at one of the bars while you sing along to your favourite tunes.
As if this wasn’t enough, there’s The Afterparty with Gok Wan & Co to tuck into in the Albert Halls Theatre on Saturday evening.
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A full seven hours of house and dance classics from not only Gok Wan himself but a feast of well-known guest DJs including Phats & Small, Sweet Female Attitude and Rio Fredrika.
Family entertainment
The second day of the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival attracted hundreds of visitors to the town under beautiful blue skies. Picture by Paul Heyes, Saturday August 28, 2021. / Image: Supplied
Day one of the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival. Picture by Paul Heyes, Friday August 26, 2022. / Image: Supplied
The family-friend festival encourages parents to bring the kids to try their hand at arts and crafts and join in with fun games, activities and magic tricks, or get their faces painted.
This year, organisers are bringing back the fantastic family zone on Le Mans Crescent, right at the heart of the Festival.
Elsewhere, you’ll find strolling, world-class street performers to keep the party going wherever you are around the town centre, not to mention lots of delicious food and live music.
Tickets
The main festival is free to attend, however, some special events such as the bottomless brunch, Gok Wan afterparty, Faulty Towers and Live and Let Live Dining Experiences do require tickets.
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The majority of the festival’s celebrity chef demos are also ticketed, with standard tickets priced from £15 and concessions available for senior citizens and children under 15.
About Bolton Food and Drink Festival
The North West’s biggest and best food festival, every year Bolton Food and Drink Festival draws thousands of foodies to the Greater Manchester town for a long weekend full of flavours. Last year’s festival welcomed over 450,000 visitors over the four day weekend.
Now in its eighteenth year, it runs every year on August bank holiday weekend across four days. In previous years, the festival has welcomed the likes of Hairy Biker Si King, Ainsley Harriot and festival favourite James Martin.
Featured image – Supplied
Food & Drink
The best graduation deals and freebies in Manchester this celebration season
Danny Jones
To all those completing their university degrees this year, first off: congratulations – and second of all, we’re sure you’re looking forward to making the most of all those graduation deals, offers and free stuff you can grab in Manchester this year.
We know we were when it was our time (longer ago than we’d like to admit…)
The post-graduation ceremony meal – hopefully at least one final meal your parents are happy to cover the bill for before sending you out into ‘the big wide world’ – is a truly special one, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t still look for savings where you can.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of graduate deals and freebies available in central Manchester for the class of 2026.
15 of the best offers and free things for 2026 graduates
1. Fenix – St. John’s
What is it: One of the best restaurants in Manchester, serving up plates featuring plenty of Greek heritage as well as modern-Mediterranean, elevated cuisine from one of the city centre’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The offer: Special lunch menu noon until 3:45pm set at just £37.50 or sit down for dinner from £45.50; both include a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and you can even walk away with an engraved bottle of Champagne to take home with you. Available 1 July until 1 August – reserve your table while you can.
2. The Alchemist – Central, Spinningfields and Salford Quays
What is it: Manc-born mixologists and cocktail bar chain which started in Spinningfields, before opening on New York Street and beyond and going on to be a staple of the UK hospitality scene.
The offer: A complimentary ‘Cosmic Oyster’ for everyone around your table when booking ahead – you can do so HERE.
What is it: Stylish London-centric seafood and grill with Japanese and Robata-inspired cuisine, best-known for sushi, steak and their famous caramelised black cod dish.
The offer: Extensive sharing-style menu priced at £55 a head, including all the highlights and a gratis glass of Henriot Champagne for every guest, available until 24 July; you can reserve your spot now.
What is it: A canalside cornerstone of the Castlefield community, with a large outdoor terrace and beer garden, complete with a dedicated cocktail hut on busy sunny days, and two cosy floors inside.
The offer: Graduation set menu, with options for two or three courses and a glass of fizz on them, running from 6-31 July. Find out more.
What is it: Boutique city centre hotel just off Market Street offering numerous luxuries, including afternoon tea packages, set menus and more from the in-house restaurant, tender by award-winning chef Niall Keating, as well as various high-end rooms.
The offer: Free glass of cava with bookings, simple as that; available all throughout July and August.
What is it: Stunning, homely gastropub and bistro with multiple rooms across two floors, as well as a large terrace with various open-air and covered areas.
The offer: Happy hour drinks for your entire party and the chance to be the one lucky winner who’ll have the ENTIRE overdraft paid off in full by the team as part of a prize draw. Book and find the full terms and conditions right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
7. Piccolino – Central, Didsbury, Bramhall, Hale, Wilmslow and Knutsford
What is it: Popular British chain of Italian restaurants operated by the Individual Restaurants Group (IRG), with numerous locations across the country.
The offer: Graduates get a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their classic recipe tiramisu on the house. Booking in advance is advised.
What is it: Another one of the IRG brands, offering similar Italian cuisine as well as great deals and an expanded drinks menu.
The offer: Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Credit: The Manc
9. The Lowry – Salford
What is it: One of Greater Manchester’s most famous hotels, located right on the edge of the city centre, with a highly-rated bar and restaurant to boot. Needs no introduction really.
The offer: Those staying in town for their ceremony can enjoy a luxurious stay with 10% off the best available rate, plus 15% off food and drink, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, AND 50% off a second room for family members, too. A perfect package for out-of-towners – you can book HERE.
What is it: One of the best curry houses in all the region, specialising in contemporary Indian food and Pakistani flavours, too.
The offer: Their popular annual graduation deal is back for 2026, with the customary welcome drink making a return alongside a signature pudding to finish off; make sure to write ‘graduation’ and add ‘dessert’ in the booking notes. They’re also right near the main uni stretch, which is always handy.
What is it: ‘Feast of the Wise’ graduation menus are available from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco
The offer: ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menu – £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner – with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Credit: The Manc
12. Browns – Central
What is it: A mainstay of the King Street strip, just around the corner from Cibo and The Rex hotel (another good option for those stopping over), specialising in British and European brasserie classics.
The offer: Receive a complimentary glass of Browns’ very own Champagne for the graduate and every accompanying guest, with two courses for £29 or a trio for just £36. You can book HERE.
What is it: Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a classy city centre setting, with covered outdoor seating and some great vegan options, too.
The offer: Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a wrap and fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with a full ‘Graduation Feast’ for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. *This offer cannot be used alongside other offers, however.
Credit: The Manc
14. Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s
What is it: A sky-high rooftop food and drink spot where Japan and Peru meet in an incredible fusion that makes for a fantastic culinary experience.
The offer: ‘Nikkei’ dining experience throughout July, with a curated sharing menu (£40pp/£35 for vegetarians) and a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne for the graduates.
What is it: The Yorkshire-born brand now serving up us locals from their New York St site and arguably one of the best places for a posh tea or meal out no matter the occasion, with top-quality steak, seafood, bubbles and more.
The offer: Three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff – pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Manchester’s free summer picnic is coming back to Oxford Road
Danny Jones
Manchester’s free ‘Summer in the City Picnic’ is returning to the Oxford Road Corridor later this year, promising plenty of live music and entertainment, family-friendly fun, outdoor activities and lots more.
Coming back to Circle Square for the second time, the now annual and completely free city centre festival will set up for its sophomore edition right on Symphony Park.
Surrounded by numerous local businesses located within the thriving Bruntwood SciTech and Vita Group neighbourhood, this mini-district is once again set to draw in crowds from all over Manchester.
With that in mind, get your coolers, picnic baskets and blankets ready: it’s time for some alfresco fanfare.
Kicking off next month for one day only, Circle Square‘s ‘Summer in the City Picnic’ 2.0 will get underway pretty much from the outset, with the organisers promising a full day of festivities.
Visitors can look forward to an even more jam-packed schedule than last year, with creative workshops and interactive experiences, DJs right through to the evening, alongside roaming steel drum performances and even silent disco adventures, just to name a few.
Other events include: sip and paint sessions, pop-up mini golf and basketball shoot-outs; ‘foot pool’, a seasonal bouquet bar, as well as a dedicated picnic space for dogs, complete with bespoke pup portraits. Adorable.
2025 saw plenty of furry friends steal the show and become local celebrities for the day, and we’re sure ’26 will be no different.
The long picnic tables will once again take centre stage, creating a relaxed space for families and friends to come together over great food from Circle Square’s wide mix of indie restaurants and cafes, such as Gooey, Onda, Hello Oriental, Half Dozen Other, Saffa Soul, North Bar, Monkey Trio and more.
Punters are, obviously, to bring along their own picnic bits, packed lunches and favourite scran, but it’s nice to have the option of treating yourself to stuff on-site.
Better still, Circle Square’s proximity not only to Oxford Road train station, but the St Peter’s Square tram stop and various bus routes (even Piccadilly isn’t really that far) means that this is super accessible for anyone interested – not to mention that it’s completely free and open to all members of the public.
Taking place on Saturday, 8 August, we hope to see you there and hopefully with the sun shining.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd August 2023 
