Masterchef judge John Torode celebrates as Manchester Food and Drink Festival turns 15

By Matt Jones

TV's Masterchef judge John Torode is counting down to Manchester Food and Drink Festival’s 15^th birthday.

The festival, which takes place from September 21 to October 8, will bring a selection of exciting events, activities and tastings to the area.

John, who is appearing at the festival in September, was on hand to promote the event and afterwards took a scenic trip around the city.

He said: “Manchester has a fantastic foodie reputation and I’m looking forward to sampling the best that the city has to offer.”

The Festival Hub, the main festival outdoor site on Albert Square, will feature a Q&A with John on the September 29 at its Live Cookery Theatre. 

It will also play host to a craft beers bar, Pub on the Hub, the Pop Up Wine Bar, Cider Carnival, Oktoberfest, a cocktail bar, the Independent Producers Fair, Manchester Cook Off, communal long-table banquets, as well as the biggest street food festival the region has ever seen.

“We are so excited about this year’s landmark ‘big fifteen’ festival,” said festival director Siobhan Hanley.

“The event and its thousands of fans deserve a birthday party to be proud of and that’s what they’re going to get - with the UK’s best chefs, restaurants, brewers and producers providing the food!”

As usual it will finish with the glamorous Gala Dinner, where the region’s food and drink heroes are acknowledged and thanked in sumptuous fashion.

For the third year running Metrolink will be the official travel partner to the festival, allowing Manchester foodies to flit between tastings and demonstrations with ease.

Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director Phillip Purdy said: “Metrolink continues to be at the heart of the city and we’re proud to once again show our support for the Manchester Food and Drink Festival.”

For full details of the event visit www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

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