The world's largest chicken wing festival has kicked off in Manchester
Day one of the world's largest chicken wing festival has kicked off in Manchester. Wing Fest will be taking place at the historic Victoria Baths from September 20 to 22.
For this weekend, a tantalising 100,000 wings will be served from 10 different street food traders, restaurants and BBQ teams. As well as tasty wings, live music, DJs, bands, entertainment, games and axe throwing was also on offer.
Hundreds of hungry Mancs made their way into the repurposed baths where they were met by the sweet scent of chicken cooked in a variety of ways.
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In what is the tenth anniversary of the event, punters were asked to note which trader served their favourite wings with the chefs with the most votes being crowned as champions. Wings were on sale for £1.25 each and punters were given a free Wing Fest trucker hat and t-shirt.
There was plenty to choose from at Wing Fest with each vendor bringing their own unique spin on the tried and tested favourite. The wings that stood out for the M.E.N. were from award winning Ginger Wings, who turned heads with their 'Hawk tuah Spit on that wing'.
Taking inspiration from the viral TikTok clip, the dish was a collage of Texan bourbon smoked brisket with spiced caramel and Alabama white sauce and lime, embellished with crushed corn kernels, pickled watermelon with toasted sesame.
While that was the M.E.N's pick, Camila and Dan from Manchester were impressed with the other servings.
"This is our first time here," said Camila. "We saw the advert and we love wings so thought, this is right up our street. I liked the Ginger Wings, their range of flavour was perfect."
"I loved the wings from Honey Bun," said Dan. "I've never tasted anything like it before."
Another foodie couple, Hannah and James from Chester, were in love with the venue as well as the wings.
"We had some wings from Peck Peck, they were the best ones so far," said Hannah. "The crispiness and the juiciness was great, they won it on the seasoning for me."
"This place is fantastic, it's a perfect venue and it would be great for a rave!" added James.
A chicken wing festival held inside a historic swimming pool? Only in Manchester can that happen. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday's sessions can be found here.