Thousands flock to Halal Food Festival in Manchester

Mancunians came out in droves at the Bowler's Exhibition Centre in Trafford for the Halal Food Festival. With over 150 vendors on hand, punters were spoilt for choice for the festival celebrating halal food and lifestyle.

Organisers estimated that by the end of the event, around 15,000 people will have attended the festival, which is in its second year.

The event saw halal food from around the world and even local favourites like Stockport's Red Cherry, Curry Mile's Pitmaster and BaityMCR from Didsbury there to fly the flag for the city.

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The indoor section of the Exhibition Centre focused on a variety of Halal lifestyle brands and festival goers were treated to a display from celebrity chefs Pulwasha, Mia Dia from The Islam Channel, and KanD Man from the BBC Asian Network who cooked live for audiences.

The rest of the floor was populated by an 'Artisan Market', hosted by the 'Muslim Instashop Expo', and showcased fine delicacies, home décor, arts and crafts, fashion and beauty. This market included small, start-ups and Instagram businesses who took the opportunity to widen their reach.

The real main event was at the outdoor section of the venue. There, stacks of food enthusiasts were met with a variety of stalls to pick from in the shining sun. Halal Vietnamese food, Japanese fusion, Palestinian, Pakistani and Caribbean food were all on offer.

Those with a sweet tooth were also served with sugary treats like handmade doughnuts, ice cream and delicious chocolates.

Bilal Khan, the organiser and festival director of The Halal Food Festival told the M.E.N.: "It's been a phenomenal response for us to come back. We launched last