Nelson Food & Drink Festival welcomes thousands of visitors

Crowds gathered all around the market square in Nelson town centre as stalls selling a wide variety of delicious meals and sweet treats lined the street.

There were more than 30 stalls across the town centre, including Mrs Downsons Ice Cream, Istanbul Grill, Mariyam’s Food Hut, Peregrine Brewery, Bubble Time, and many more.

Crowds at the 2023 Nelson Food & Drink Festival (Image: Adam Woodhouse)

As well as the food on offer, there were also stalls selling toys and games, while there were also owls from Talons Bird of Prey which people could hold, a henna artist, face painting, and Bollywood dancers.

The free-to-attend event, which was sponsored by Nelson Town Council, also featured live cooking demonstrations from Caribbean chef Mama Shar and pizza experts Solo Pizza, who wowed the crowds with their incredible skills throughout the day.

Mama Shar, who also launched her new cookbook at the festival, prepared two amazing dishes, including dumplings and spicy fried chicken, and a twist on a Caribbean classic of rice and peas.

Solo Pizza, meanwhile, cooked an authentic Italian pizza and one of their speciality pasta dishes.

Local primary school and nursery children also visited the festival to hand in their ‘draw your favourite food’ competition entries – one lucky winner will receive a giant hamper to their school over the next few weeks.

Cllr Rehan Hanif, chair of Nelson Town Council, said: “Following the success of the King’s Coronation event here in Nelson, it has been incredible to see the town centre so packed again for the food and drink festival.

“The weather has been fantastic and people have come out in their numbers, both from the local community and further afield, to enjoy delicious food and drink, as well as fantastic entertainment.

“On behalf of Nelson Town Council, we would like to thank everyone for attending and making the sixth Nelson Food & Drink Festival one which will live long in the memory.”