Bolton traders recovered from disappointment on the first day of the food and drink festival to make a great success of Saturday.

The wind blew away stalls which had been set up and meant the event could not begin as usual on Friday.

But the centre of Bolton was full to the brink today (August 24) as people queued to be able to sample the food on offer.

(Image: Paul Heyes)

With better weather traders made a success of the first official day and are looking ahead to the rest of the event which runs until Monday.

One trader who enjoyed the Saturday was Phil Foster, from Jethros who sold sauces and marinades.

He said: "I think the festival organisers did a great job after Friday. These things happen it is just the British weather.

"Today has been fantastic.

"Our Maple Pork Cracking has been popular.

"We will be back on Sunday and Monday."

(Image: NQ)

And another stall which had success on the first proper day of the festival was Vegan Infinity.

The stall was run by Dasha Karsiuk who was ably assisted by younger brother Alex Doyle.

She said they had almost sold out and the day had made up for the setback on Friday.

She said: "It has been absolutely brilliant.

"I think that the people that would have come down on Friday have come down today.

"They came out in full force and it has gone really well.

"We have nearly sold out.

"We will be back tomorrow and on Monday."

(Image: NQ)

And another stall which had a good day was Lemondale.

The stall is run by Claire Barnett, who said she had lots of customers who come back on a regular basis.

"It has been a good day.

"We sell fresh lemonade and it has been popular.

"I have got a lot of returning customers."

(Image: NQ)

Daniel O’Neill, Christopher Hurst and Gemma Ward are bringing a taste of India to Bolton this weekend with pop up stall, The Chaat Walas.

They have been trading for four years and will be closing the business this year, however, wanted to enjoy one last festival.

Daniel said: “We’ve been here for the past four years and, although we’ve had to make the decision to close the business, we’re happy to be back again one last time. We love it here.”

(Image: NQ)

(Image: NQ)

Sabiha from Crumbs and Caramel is a first-time trader at the festival.

She sells gourmet handmade macarons and marshmallows and decided to trade this weekend due its “fantastic reputation”.

Sabiha, who is running the stall with her son today, said: “Everyone told me how much footfall the festival gets and it’s true. We’ve had a good first day so far.”

The Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, said:

 

“Everyone worked flat out to clean up the debris from Storm Lilian and make sure the site was safe to open today. 

 

“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 and have enjoyed a busy day of trading today. 

 

“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 for the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend.”

 

The event continues tomorrow (Sunday 25 August) rounding off on Bank Holiday Monday where James Martin will take to the stage for live demos.