Thousands of people packed into Nelson on Saturday as the eagerly anticipated Nelson Food & Drink Festival served up a fantastic celebration of food, culture and entertainment.
The town was buzzing with 8,000 visitors throughout the day, who enjoyed flavours from around the world, live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, colourful entertainment and activities for all the family.
Sponsored by Nelson Town Council and Nelson-based Sugden Processing Equipment, the popular festival brought together an impressive selection of local, regional and international food and drink traders.
Festival-goers were spoilt for choice, with Korean corn dogs, Greek, Asian and Caribbean street food, brownies, ice cream, pizza and plenty more on offer.
PitBoyz Smokehouse founder and chef Naem Rafiq was among the special guests taking to the live cookery stage, where he shared some of the secrets behind a great brisket during his masterclass before transforming it into an irresistible loaded brisket mac and cheese.
TikTok star and chef Zaynah Din also proved a huge hit with the crowds, delivering three live demonstrations and cooking up aloo and cheese stuffed naan, chilli garlic chicken and Channa masala.
There was just as much happening away from the kitchen, with a spectacular performance featuring Bhangra dancers, Dhol drummers and trumpet players bringing energy, colour and music to the heart of Nelson and captivating the audience.
A busker added to the festival atmosphere, while a special appearance from a Chinese Lion became one of the day’s most popular family attractions, with children and parents lining up to have their photographs taken.
Free face painting and hair braiding kept visitors entertained throughout the day, while a range of craft stalls offered everything from candles to flowers.
The festival also encouraged families to discover more of Nelson through a special #ShopLocal Trail.
Children aged under 12 were challenged to visit participating businesses and collect stamps in their competition booklets before handing in their completed entries. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks, with a selection of great local prizes up for grabs.
Cllr Sughra Bibi, Events Chair at Nelson Town Council, said: “What an incredible day for Nelson. It was amazing to see the town so busy, with thousands of people enjoying everything the festival had to offer.
“There was so much to see and do, the food was delicious and the atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic. We all had an incredible day, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the festival such a success.”
The Nelson Food & Drink Festival has become a much-anticipated event in the town’s calendar, bringing communities together while showcasing great food, entertainment and the businesses that make Nelson special.
To find out more about the Nelson Food & Drink Festival, visit www.nelsonfoodfestival.co.uk.
