Watson Homes to be Bolton Food and Drink Festival sponsor

The renowned Bolton Food and Drink Festival will be returning to the town this summer.

Now Watson Homes, who are working on various new housing sites most notably Church Wharf in the town centre and Creams Mill in Little Lever, have been announced as the lead sponsor.

Director Rob Watson said: “We are pleased to be sponsoring the Bolton Food and Drink Festival for its return this August bank holiday.

“We are looking forward to being part of an event that has been central to the Bolton community for eighteen years, alongside other local businesses.”

Work on Church Wharf should be getting underway soon (Image: Newsquest)

The Church Wharf development scheme took another step closer to reality in March when Bolton Council agreed to sell a parcel of land to Watson Homes.

The final project aims to build 417 homes and a 10-bedroom hotel alongside the River Croal.

Plans were first approved all the way back in 2019 with demolition work having reached its final stage in early 2023.

The Creams Mill project was given the go-ahead after a two-day public enquiry in November 2022 and ultimately aims to build around 200 homes off Mytham Road and Hall Lane.

An artist's impression of the finished Creams Mill project (Image: Watson Homes)

Mr Watson said: “It is a poignant year for Watson, as we are working closely with Bolton Council on two of our main developments.

“Church Wharf, a project central to Bolton Council’s town centre regeneration master plan and Creams Mill, a housing and canal restoration project, set to breathe new life into its surrounding area.

“As a business, we are committed to making a long-lasting positive impact across Bolton to enhance the lives of its community, boost the local economy and redevelop key areas.

“It is therefore fitting that we are the headline sponsor at this year’s festival, where we can help celebrate the very best of this vibrant town.”

Watson Homes are behind two of the biggest developments the borough has seen in recent years (Image: Watson Homes)

This year’s food and drink festival will aim to build on last year’s which attracted more than half a million visitors to the town centre.

It was named the “Most Loved Live Event” at the 2023 I Love Manchester awards, beating high profile competition like the Manchester International Festival and Manchester Pride.

Saturday Kitchen star James Martin has already been unveiled as the festival’s first headliner for the 14th year running, with more headliners to follow.

ALSO READ: Town centre hotel and 400 homes plan could be back on track with 'land sale'

ALSO READ: New details on 'major regeneration project' behind housebuilding plan

ALSO READ: Bolton Food and Drink Festival set to cook up a storm with new attraction this year

The event will also be hosting the Sheer Luck Homes Murder Mystery night and the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience.

Bolton Council chief executive Sue Johnson said: “The Bolton Food and Drink Festival is the highlight of our events calendar, supporting local businesses and bringing thousands of visitors into Bolton.

“Alongside the physical regeneration of the town centre, major cultural events like this are a key part of our plans to create a modern and exciting place to live, work and visit.

“The event would not be possible without sponsors like Watson Homes, and we look forward to working with them to deliver the best Bolton Food and Drink Festival yet.”