Bolton Food and Drink Festival will be back on TOMORROW after the start of the biggest event on the town's social calendar was cancelled today.
Storm Lilian brought down trees and caused rush hour traffic chaos across the town.
Damage wreaked to stalls during Storm Lilian meant Town Hall chiefs had to 'take the difficult decision' to postpone the start of the festival.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival will welcome visitors from 10am on Saturday, ahead of three days of live music, free family entertainment and excellent food.
The opening was delayed after Storm Lilian battered the town centre with gusts significantly stronger than forecast.
Gazebos, tents and other event infrastructure was left damaged or displaced, posing a significant risk to public safety.
Despite the set-back, market traders, festival staff and the community all pulled together to clear the debris and get the site ready for the next day.
Thanks to the hard work of all involved, the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the August bank holiday will go ahead as scheduled.
Visitors will enjoy live music, free cooking demonstrations, ticketed events, celebrity spectaculars, free family entertainment and much more.
READ MORE: Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2024: Everything you need to know
Ainsley Harriott can't wait to return to Bolton food lovers
Bolton Food and Drink Festival has a well-earned reputation as one of the biggest and best-run events of its kind in the country.
Now people are being urged to come out in force during the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend to support the many "outstanding local traders, artists and performers".
The leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Our festival team have been working flat out to clean up the debris from Storm Lilian and make sure the site is safe to open on Saturday.
“As disappointed as we were to postpone the festival, the storm has shown Bolton’s resilient spirit at its very best.
“The market stall holders have been fantastic, they have kept a positive attitude throughout the day and are excited for the three days of trading ahead.
“The whole community has really pulled together, and the best way people can help now is to come out in force in support of our local producers, artists and performers.”
Seddon helped in the food fest clear-up following a call for assistance.
The Seddon team on-site included a diverse mix of personnel, including labourers, site managers, and project managers.
Frank Horrocks, Project Manager, has been leading the team. Vanessa Barlow, Social Value Manager is also there providing significant assistance, making it a real team effort.
Throughout the festival visitors will enjoy live music, free cooking demonstrations, ticketed events, celebrity spectaculars and free family entertainment across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Today celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot will be giving demonstrations and firm favourite James Martin will return on Monday.
For a full breakdown of the events taking place visit https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/24522836.bolton-food-drink-festival-2024-everything-need-know/
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