Heaton Park Food and Drink Festival attracts hundreds on opening day

Stalls selling everything from homemade cakes and sweets to traditional street food including Nigerian, Greek and Afghan cuisines.

More than 90 stalls were in the Artisan Market offering local produce, fresh baked goods, handmade crafts and art.

Live music and demos we hosted throughout the day as well as magic tricks and shows for children.

Marcus Sciolti running the Black Bear Fudge stall said: “This is my first time being at the festival, we only opened the business a few months ago.

“It’s been really good so far; the sun is shining so can’t complain.”

Marcus Sciolti (Image: NQ)

Jennifer Hobbs running the Balefire sauce stall said: “We’ve never been to this event before.

“We’ve been to others run by the same organisers, so the ones in Newcastle and Leeds just not to this one.

“The only thing we’ve done in the area is a chilli festival in south Manchester so it’s exciting.”

Jennifer Hobbs (Image: NQ)

Mike Scargill running the Prestwich Gin stall said: “I have high hopes this weekend, it was good last year even though the weather was poor, but it looks nice and sunny for this weekend.

“The stall should pick up later on as people try the product, go away and them come back.”

Mike Scargill (Image: NQ)

The Live Cookery Theatre was hosting a line-up of professional chefs, MasterChef contestants, award winning head chefs, independent business owners and cooking experts including MasterChef UK 2022 semi-finalist Olayemi Adelekan and award-winning chef Gareth Mason who could bee seen today.

Live music from the Rock Choir and an Oasis tribute band Whatever were performing to full crowds of people.

The weekend should attract thousands to come and enjoy the festivities.