The Bolton Food and Drink Festival, held annually in Greater Manchester, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and has become one of the largest food festivals in the UK. Attracting approximately 500,000 visitors each year, it has surpassed even the famous Glastonbury Festival in terms of attendance. This year's event showcased over 180 food stalls and independent vendors, highlighting the festival's growth and popularity over the years.

Notable chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Michael Caines, Kwoklyn Wan, and James Martin were present at the festival, with Martin marking his 15th year at the event. His enthusiasm for the festival underscores its reputation for attracting culinary talent and providing a platform for local and national food vendors alike. The event not only focuses on food but also offers entertainment and community engagement, drawing crowds from afar and putting Bolton on the culinary map.

The recognition of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival as a prestigious event reflects a growing trend towards celebrating local food cultures and the importance of culinary tourism. It emphasizes the festival's role in boosting local economies and fostering community spirit while highlighting the need for lesser-known events to gain recognition alongside larger, more famous festivals.