DEVELOPERS bidding to bring the Ryder Cup to Bolton as part of multi-million pound plans to open up a historic estate will be headlining one of Bolton's biggest events.

Peel L&P has been announced as the main sponsor of this year's Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Now in its 18th year, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival is widely regarded as one of the biggest and best events of its kind in Europe.

Last year’s record-breaking, and award-winning, festival attracted nearly half-a-million visitors to the town centre over the four days.

This is the second time Peel L&P has sponsored the festival.

The Bolton News: James MartinJames Martin

Peel L&P’s homebuilder, Northstone, chose Westhoughton as the location for their first neighbourhood ‘Silkash’ followed by ‘Airie’ also in Bolton.

Peel L&P is leading the initiative to bring The Ryder Cup, the world’s flagship golfing event, to Bolton, and in doing so create a sporting destination to rejuvenates the historic Hulton Park.

The project is designed to create and enhance employment and skills, health and wellbeing, sport and tourism, serving as a catalyst for investment in the Wigan-Bolton Growth Corridor and local town centres.

The festival will be held over the Bank Holiday weekend from Friday August 25 to Monday August 28.

The Bolton News: Bolton Food and Drink FestivalBolton Food and Drink Festival

This year’s line-up of celebrity chefs will be announced in the near future with some of the biggest names in UK cuisine set to return to the Albert Halls for live cookery masterclasses.

Regional cooks from across the North West and beyond will also be sharing their expertise with free demonstrations.

Visitors will enjoy speciality stalls offering food, drink, and crafts from around the globe alongside outdoor bars and live music.

There will also be plenty of family activities and street performers to keep the crowds entertained.

Chief Executive of Bolton Council, Sue Johnson, said: “We are delighted to announce the main sponsor of this year’s food and drink festival.

“Events like the Food and Drink Festival are a major part of our plans to revitalise the town centre, boost footfall, and make Bolton a more vibrant place to visit.

“Partners like Peel L&P play a huge part in helping us achieve that goal.”

Director of Corporate Resources at Bolton Council, Lee Fallows, said: “We’re proud to have Peel L&P on board this year for what is one of our most popular annual events.

“Now in its 18th year, the festival has a well-earned reputation as one of the best in the country and we look forward to building on that success this year.

“Events like the Bolton Food and Drink Festival are key in driving our Cultural Strategy and attracting diverse audiences to Bolton.”

Stephen Wild, Executive Director at Peel L&P said: “Bolton Food and Drink Festival brings communities, cultures, businesses and visitors together to celebrate Bolton and we are very proud to be working in partnership with Bolton Council to deliver this event which brings so much joy to the town.

“As committed, long-term investors in Bolton, we want to continue working with businesses and communities to bring forward opportunities which will have a positive impact across Greater Manchester and the North West, creating a legacy for Bolton.

“Bolton Food and Drink Festival is a great example of placemaking in action and how large-scale, cultural events boost the economy of the town, support local businesses and builds community spirit. We are really looking forward to this year’s festival.”

More details about the festival, including the celebrity chef line up and exciting new special events will be announced soon.

Keep an eye on our socials and the website – www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com

Further partnership and sponsorship opportunities for the festival are also available. For details contact sponsorship@bolton.gov.uk