One of the UK's most popular chefs has spoken of his fondness for the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Ainsley Harriott missed out on the event last year but returned this weekend with cooking demonstrations on Saturday.

(Image: Paul Heyes)

The chef, known for cooking game shows including Ready Steady Cook, spoke about why the event is one to make it along to.

He said: "One of the great things about being back here in Bolton is that I know that I'm going to be welcomed, there is something special about it here, I have been doing it for a few years even though I missed out on it last year, it's a pleasure to be here.

"The warm reception you get, they are foodies, I think now we are getting to the stage where everybody knows a little bit more about the food, you have wonderful cooking programmes on TV educating us and now we feel confident enough whether that is going out to a restaurant or going on to a demo and being able to know the terms."

(Image: Paul Heyes)

Ainsley said: "It's just a pleasure to be here and knowing I am going to be cooking for people later on with the demos I am doing and sharing some food because this year we are passing food out amongst those people that come and see the demonstration, you are going to get lots of lovely stuff."

(Image: Paul Heyes)

He also said he loved the diversity of events like these.

He said: "When I come to a festival I am amazed by all of the stallholders, not only is there diversity in food but it's the fact they are able to take small compact places and produce amazing quality food and people buy it, it's not like people walk by and go 'I don't like the smell of that', there is so much interest it doesn't matter whether it's an Indian or it's an Italian or it's a vegan type food or Vietnamese I could go on and on and on.

"The diversity is amazing and that's what I love about it and I like to contribute to that too, even though I am classically French trained I like to be able to bring a bit of Caribbean influence to the whole thing and I think that's what makes it so special."

(Image: Paul Heyes)

He added: "One of the reasons I come to Bolton again and again is because of the people.

“I often get asked what I would cook for a dinner party and the truth is that it doesn’t really matter as long as you have great company and that’s what you always get here in Bolton.

“Every time I come back here it’s the warmth and the joy. People just want to give something back.” 

On Monday James Martin, a festival favourite, will return for more cooking demonstrations.