Bolton's Food and Drink Festival Success In 2011
Bolton's Food and Drink festival 2011 has been hailed as the biggest and best yet as for the sixth year running people came from near and far to enjoy the atmosphere, entertainment and demonstrations from many top chefs.
Around 80 traders provided the opportunity to sample as well as buy produce and many reported selling out as thousands enjoyed the weekends activities.
As well as the paid for demonstrations by chefs like James Martin, who thrilled around 1000 'Foodies' across three demonstrations on Bank Holiday Monday, many delighted shoppers and visitors enjoyed the free demonstrations in the Market Place and Indoor Market, where local chefs and accomplished professionals alike showcased their talents.
John Benson-Smith, Executive Chef to the stars at Manchester City Football Club, entertained the crowds in a new venue for the festival in the Market Place, where he prepared Baked Camembert with thyme and croutons, a fresh salmon burger with cumin, coriander and avocado with a tuna nicoise. John, who attends and demonstrates at a lot of Food Festivals, felt that Bolton's is a very well organised and friendly affair.
All the paid for demonstrations in the marquee in Victoria Square were sold out with celeb's The Hairy Bikers, Gino D'Acampo and James Martin cooking up delights like deep fried soft boiled egg with bacon salad and red wine shallot purée, sole with spiced brown shrimps, slow roast fillet of beef with butternut squash pickle and a chocolate fondants with banana ice cream.
Many local businesses supported the festival by holding events like Spice Valley Indian Restaurant in the Valley, who held a Bollywood Party and The Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant where a 1940's weekend saw staff and customers dress in period costume and performances of wartime songs from The Farnworth Performing Arts Group.
The Council would really like to hear feedback from anyone who attended the festival so they can continue to build and improve the annual event bringing thousands of people into Bolton.
To give your feedback go to www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com and help to make this event even better in 2012.
