James Martin to headline 21st Bolton Food and Drink Festival

The Bolton Food and Drink Festival will be running from Friday August 28 to Monday August 21 and promises four days of food, family fun, headline acts and top‑quality entertainment.

Fan favourite, celebrity chef James Martin, is once again topping the bill at what he calls “the best festival in the world.”

On Saturday, James will take to the stage in the Albert Halls for live cooking demonstrations of some of his favourite dishes whilst chatting with the audience, plus a special birthday treat. 

Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “Bolton Food and Drink Festival is very much our flagship event and eagerly anticipated by thousands of visitors and hundreds of traders every year.

“The influx of visitors into Bolton over the four days is a huge economic boost to the town as well as festival stall holders.

The Bolton Food and Drink Festival (Image: Paul Heyes)

“Our traders are really at the heart of the festival and it’s always a pleasure to see their stalls packed with visitors enjoying a huge variety of delicious dishes and treats.

“Every year we welcome back some festival favourites as well as new and exciting businesses so keep an eye out on announcements in the coming months.”   

This year will be the TV favourites 16th visit to the festival, and his appearances are always a programme highlight, drawing huge crowds eager to pick up tips, tricks and inspiration.

Alex Thomas, owner of Totally Baked, a local cake business and Bolton Food and Drink Festival Trader, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council and the 21st birthday cake. (Image: Paul Heyes)

Demonstrations take place at various times throughout the day but are strictly ticket only and likely to sell out quickly, so it is advisable to secure your seats and book today.  

This year’s festival will feature hundreds of traders, offering everything from mouth‑watering dishes from around the world to home‑baked brownies and artisan treats.

With a mix of local talent and regional businesses, visitors can expect a vibrant offering with something for every taste.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival is one of the borough’s most popular events (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Families will be well catered for too, with a programme of free family activities running throughout the weekend, making the festival a great day out for all ages.

An amazing line‑up of free live music is also planned on the two stages across the four days, with full details including headline acts to be announced soon.

The festival launch comes just after the Bolton Food and Drink Festival won Best Speciality Market at the 2026 National Association of British Market Authorities Awards.     

Council cabinet member for culture Cllr Nadeem Ayub said: “This year is an extra special one as we are celebrating 21 years of the festival which is a fantastic achievement and each year the four-day event is bigger and better than the last.

“James Martin fans should book their tickets early to avoid disappointment as his cooking demonstrations are sure to sell out. 

“Keep an eye out for more details soon on family activities, live music line up and traders and we’ll see you in August!”

James Martin tickets and further information can be found at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival website.