THE star-studded line-up for this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival has been announced.

Britain’s favourite baking duo, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, are back by popular demand after selling out their demonstrations and proving a hit at last year’s festival.

The 2013 four-day spectacular will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday to Monday, August 23 to 26.

Mary and Paul will perform their demos together on the Saturday in a marquee on Victoria Square.

Mary said: “I received such a warm welcome from the people of Bolton last year that I was only too happy to return.

“Everyone was so friendly and it was heartening to see so much interest in the art of baking.”

Paul added: “I was very impressed with Bolton and, in particular, their award-winning market.

“I am thrilled to be making a return visit.”

The festival, which attracted more than 102,000 visitors last year, will be launched by the two-Michelin starred chef Michael Caines on the Friday, and fellow festival favourite James Martin will take centre stage on Bank Holiday Monday.

Sunday’s attraction will be top Italian chef and restaurateur, Aldo Zilli.

Also, who founded his own restaurant chain, specialises in Italian and vegetable cuisine. He has written 10 books and appeared on numerous TV shows.

He is Chef Consiliere to the award-winning San Carlo group, which includes restaurants in Manchester and London.

Aldo said: “I’m really looking forward to coming to the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and cooking up some delicious Italian food.

“I’m passionate about fresh and local produce, so I can’t wait to see what Bolton has to offer.”

Bolton Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: “There is no doubt the Bolton Food and Drink Festival is firmly on the map as one of the best events of this type, and it just gets better and better each year.

“Last year’s festival beat all previous records in terms of visitor numbers, and we are determined to make this year’s event one to remember.”

More detailed information about the celebrity chef demos will be released soon and tickets will go on sale in May.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2013 is organised by Bolton Council and sponsored by Bolton College, Bluemantle, Crompton Place, The Market Place Shopping Centre and Stateside Foods.

Partners this year are The Octagon Theatre, Kro Bar, the Marriott Worsley Park Hotel, Bolton Market, Harvey Nichols and The Albert Halls.