THE rain didn't dampen people's spirits as they turned out to the 13th annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival this weekend.

Members of the public huddled under umbrellas to taste the traders' offerings or dashed into various venues across the town centre to take some top tips from some of the North West's finest chefs.

David Smart, the boss of Bolton bakery Greenhalghs, gave two food demonstrations in Crompton Place on Sunday, showcasing two savoury and one sweet focaccia breads.

He said: "Helped by the rain, we had a full house.

"There are a lot of lovely people, lots of questions, people joining in. I'm thoroughly impressed because they laughed at my jokes. It is just a lot of fun."

Spectators were kept entertained as Mr Smart gave them some top tips on kneading dough, and shared about Arthur Greenhalgh and his secret Mexican family.

Visitor Glenise Gaskell, from Heaton, said: "The sweet focaccia was very moist and very soft. The MD was entertaining and it was nice to come in from the rain. I have been at the festival every day."

Just two weeks ago, Mr Smart returned from a 192-mile trek across the breadth of Britain with friend, Mark Power, who owns Karl Kramer Photography.

He said of his 15-day coast to coast excursion: "I have just about recovered. I would do it again tomorrow.

"The scenery was incredible."

Also on Sunday, Ainsley Harriott, Matt Carr and beer sommelier Annabel Smith hosted the festival's pasty and beer event for the second year running.

Guests tucked into a selection of Carr's finest — steak, ale and mushroom pasty, black pudding sausage roll, meat and potato pasty, and whist pie, pairing them with a selection of Aldi's beers.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, said: "The festival is going very well. It’s absolutely wonderful, and it’s good so see so many happy, smiling faces."

Families flocked to the Market Place where theatre workshops, Egyptian-themed children’s fun and storytelling was taking place throughout the weekend.

Mum-of-three Lisa Barlow, from Over Hulton, said: "We listened to the music and looked at the stalls, then headed for the children's entertainment.

"They are really enjoying themselves.

"We are always looking for events for families that don't cost the earth so this is perfect."

Robert Stobie, from Little Lever, said: "I have seen all the stalls and particularly enjoyed watching the knife sharpening on Deansgate.

"This year's festival is a big improvement on last year. It is a very good atmosphere."

Visitors also had the opportunity to hang out with street performers Granny Turismo and other acts from Oldham Theatre Workshop and Song Smith Solar.

The Market Hall was also a hive of activity, with MasterChef champion Simon Wood returning to the festival for a third year. On Saturday he showcased a fig and pigeon dish accompanied with pedro ximenez sherry.

He said: "It is great. I really enjoy the event. There are some familiar faces here.

"If you love food, this is the place to be."

Demonstrations were also being given by celebrity chef Andrew Nutter.

On Sunday at 6.30pm, Mr Wood will prepare some tasty recipes alongside comedian Steve Royle who will provide the laughs as guests at the main festival marquee build their own burgers at the Sunday Supper Club.

Bolton Council leader Cllr Linda Thomas, said it the festival gets bigger and better each year.

Cllr Thomas said: “It’s just such an amazing event and each year just gets better and better. Despite the mixed weather visitors from all around Bolton and beyond have come out to enjoy the occasion. We’ve had fabulous demos from Michael, Nadiya and Ainsley and we’ve still got festival favourite James Martin to come. I’m looking forward to a magnificent final day."