Port Harcourt hosts 2019 ‘Bole’ food festival August 3

Organisers of the annual ‘Bole’ food festival have announced Port Harcourt as the host of its 2019 edition themed ‘Our taste, Our Culture’.

The one-day event is aimed at celebrating the rich heritage of the Niger Delta through food with emphasis on the various creative ways people prepare roasted plantain known as ‘Bole’.

Bole food festival which began in 2016 has evolved into one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria, particularly the southwest where roasted ‘Bole’ is best enjoyed with varieties of dishes like pepper Sause, roasted fish, yam, potato and roasted chicken.

“We expect another successful and fun-filled event that will also set the standard in highlighting the importance of celebrating our culture and local cuisine,” Bole food festival convener Iwuh Chinonso said.

According to him, “Bole Festival has grown in prestige and attendance over the years and is currently able to compete with food festivals anywhere in the country.”

“This year we want the event to represent that growth creatively and in terms of market appeal as a brand while maintaining the casual fun atmosphere that has endeared us to the people,” Chinonso said,

The annual event had only 300 people in attendance in 2016 and had over 8,000 people and over 80 food vendors in attendance in 2018.

The festival is usually marked by side attractions such as music performances, comedy, food competitions, indoors and outdoor games with prizes to be won and gaming activities for kids.