Bolton Food and Drink Festival POSTPONED today following Storm Lilian damage

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.”

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, a home bakery based at Eagley Mills, wrote online: “Unfortunately the food festival has been postponed and WONT be going ahead today.

“We have made more cakes than ever before and are so prepared so we are obviously gutted that it can’t go ahead today BUT the safety of both the traders, staff and visitors is more important than anything.

“The clean up starts today and we know the team down at the