Festa Italiana once again brought a taste of la dolce vita to Manchester with a celebration of Italian food, drink and culture over the August bank holiday weekend.
Crowds flocked to Cathedral Gardens to enjoy the event, which is organised by local restaurant and food business Salvi’s.
TV chefs such as Gennaro Contaldo and Aldo Zilli and champion of The Great British Bake Off Giuseppe Dell’Anno wowed festival-goers with their skills in the tent as they did masterclasses, and there were also book signings allowing people to meet some of their favourite Italian cooks.
Stalls served up everything from wood-fired pizzas to Sicilian street food, all of which could be washed down with a selection of Italian beers and wines, soft drink or the country’s favourite summer refresher, the Aperol Spritz.
There was also music throughout the three days, including an appearance by folk-rockers Compagnia Soleluna from Naples which got listeners on their feet and dancing to the likes of the tarantella.
The drop-in Carmela’s Kitchen also taught people how to make perfect pasta throughout the festival.
1. Festa Italiana 2022
T’arricrii served up delicious Sicilian street food. Photo: Si Ronconi Photo: Si Ronconi
2. Festa Italiana 2022
TV chef Gennaro Contaldo doing a masterclass. Photo: Si Ronconi Photo: Si Ronconi
3. Festa Italiana 2022
Ice cream went down a treat in the sunny weather.
4. Festa Italiana 2022
Festival-goers dancing to Naples-based folk-rock group Compagnia Soleluna.