Summer 2018Rochdale Food & Drink Festival

The place to eat, drink and be merry

Jean-Christophe Novelli

Multi Michelin star award winner and celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli demonstrated how to make apple tatin plus a seafood dish.

Local artisan cake-maker, Natasha Brown presented Jean-Christophe with a cake, complete with a sugar-paste portrait character of him.

Celebrity guests

CBeebies ‘I Can Cook’ presenter Katy Ashworth, brought her energetic burst of silliness and family fun – with shows aimed at children and grown-ups packed with games, sing-a-long songs and laughter.

Indian curry chef, Nisha Katona, returned to Rochdale having appeared at the Feel Good Festival in 2016. She shared her quick and easy dishes, packed with fresh flavour, as did Tom McNeeney, head chef at The Oxford family pub.

Cake contest

A cake contest was held, with the adult winners presented with Jean-Christophe Novelli’s latest recipe book, whilst winners of the children’s contest were presented with Natasha Brown’s book, based around a sugary version of St Mary’s Gate, the nearby church and Toad Lane.

Mayor & MP

Mayor Ian Duckworth said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. It has been lovely to see so many people in Rochdale centre. I have even been on the merry-go-round and I am so pleased to see Rochdale so busy.”

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd said: “It has been a brilliant day. It has been really good to have the great Rochdale weather as it has been warm enough for the event.

“Outside, there is a throng of people enjoying the food and drink on offer, and inside are as many enjoying the beautiful Great Hall.”