Expert Arnd Baggen brought in to spice up food festival

Bolton’s annual Food and drink festival will be given a boost by the man behind Manchester’s popular Christmas Market.

Arnd Baggen who has co-ordinated the hugely successful Manchester Christmas Markets for the last eight years has been secured by council chiefs to apply his expertise to the town’s food festival next week.

Mr Baggen made his name as a showjumper in the 1970s and 80s but now heads the company behind the Manchester market, which attracts visitors from across the UK.

The European market featuring more than 30 traders selling everything from food and drink to arts and crafts will fill Victoria Square from Friday 28^th August to Sunday 30^th.

Mr Baggen will bring a host of continental stallholders to Bolton for the first time in the food festival’s four year history. Traders serving from traditional wooden chalets will be offering everything from Spanish paella and Bavarian cheese to Lancashire black puddings, hog roast, sweet crepes and homemade ice cream.

A beer garden will play host to a Bavarian beer house selling specialist German brews and wines while other treats include a halal Moroccan food outlet and a selection of French delicacies.

Local producers will also be selling their wares with everything from homemade ice cream and Indian spices, to fresh juices and Greek treats.

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council’s Executive member for development, said: “The market is one of the real highlights of this year’s festival. Whether you’re a serious foodie or someone who just appreciates good food and drink, I’m sure that people will enjoy soaking up the continental atmosphere.”

In a bid to tempt people to the festival, visitors can park all day in the Breighmet Street car park for just £1 on the Friday and Saturday.

Pay and display car parks managed by NCP and on-street parking are also free on Sunday. For more information about the festival, which is being sponsored by Warburtons and will feature live demos from celebrity chefs James Martin and The Hairy Bikers, log onto www.boltonfoodanddrink festival.com.