The first day of Bolton Food and Drink Festival has been postponed following damage caused by Storm Lilian . The annual event in Bolton town centre had been due to kick off today (August 23) and was expected to see 500,000 people attend throughout the Bank Holiday weekend to enjoy food from local traders as well as live entertainment and cooking demonstrations. However, after the start of today’s event was delayed from 11am to 2pm, it has now been confirmed by traders taking part that the festival will not open at all today.
Photos shared with the Manchester Evening News this morning showed a number of stalls had been flipped over due to the high winds caused by Storm Lilian. READ MORE: Moment tree falls down and furniture flies across garden amid fierce winds Photos also showed the festival stage area had also been damaged by the high winds - which hit Greater Manchester with speeds of up to 60mph this morning. The Tiny Takeaway, one trader due to take part in the festival, posted on Facebook: “Today has been cancelled unfortunately due to the bad weather Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
See you tomorrow curry fans.” High winds have damaged stalls and the main stage at Bolton Food and Drink Festival this morning (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Another trader, The Chaat Walas, posted: “Unfortunately due to significant damage to the site due to Storm Lilian today is cancelled for safety reasons. Bolton Food Fest is back tomorrow!” Bella's Bakes Bolton.