A chef known for his easy-to-follow recipes will attend Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2024, promoting his upcoming cookbook.

Jon Watts will share the story of his rise, from a six-and-a-half year stint in a young offenders institute to becoming a chef.

Since then Watts has worked for TV chef Jamie Oliver and appeared on ITV's This Morning.

Now he looks set to inspire a new wave of food enthusiasts at his debut at the popular Bolton festival.

Attendees can join him at Central Library on Friday, August 23, at 2pm for a talk about his new book, "Speedy Weeknight Meals".

Watts is known for his easy recipes, designed for any level of cooking skill and centred around making well-known classics achievable for any home kitchen.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said: "I am truly thrilled to have Jon as part of the festival, to share his inspirational story and use his expertise to encourage others to enhance their culinary skills.

"The Food and Drink festival never fails to offer a wide range of fabulous cuisines, special events and entertainment for everyone.

"With its success growing each year and a key part of the town's cultural offer, it’s a weekend not to be missed."

Free tickets will be available from July 21 via Eventbrite.

Alongside Jon's talk, the event includes a book sale and a signing opportunity.

Running from Friday, August 23, to Monday, August 26, the festival promises four days of fantastic family fun.

This bank holiday weekend will be filled with free regional chef demos, children’s activities, live music, bars, artisan stalls, street entertainment and special events such as comedy dining experiences Faulty Towers and Sheer Luck Holmes.