The Bolton Food and Drink Festival has been named the best large speciality market in the country at the Great British Market Awards 2026. This national title was announced for the town of Bolton, Greater Manchester, which hosts one of the largest food events in the United Kingdom.
The award was presented by the National Association of British Market Authorities during a ceremony in Birmingham on February 5, 2026. Judges praised the event for its high-quality specialist traders and the social support it provides to local families through a government food and activity programme.
In 2025, the four-day festival saw more than 550,000 people visit the town to see famous chefs and browse more than 200 different food and drink stalls. The Bolton Council expects this new award to raise the town’s profile and bring in more visitors to support local market traders.
This year’s festival will mark its 21st anniversary and will take place from August 28 to August 31, 2026. Local officials hope the national recognition will help the event continue to grow as a major destination for food and culture.
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