HUNDREDS of people made the most of the Bank Holiday by spending Easter Monday enjoying live music in Bolton town centre.

More than 1,000 wristbands were snapped up for the B Charity Music Festival ahead of yesterday’s event, with 2,000 available and some venues selling out throughout the day.

The event saw more than 120 bands and solo artists play 13 venues, a mix of indie, rock, soul and Motown, including Our Fold, James Holt, Mississippi Soulman, Naked Stereo, SDR, Made in Wonderland, Brass Routes, Jordan Allen, Somos Muchos, Ged Chapman, Danny Quin and Holly Jenkinson.

Steve Hoyle, owner of Downtown, in Bradshawgate, said: “It’s fantastic. We want people to enjoy themselves, come back into Bolton and see what we are doing.

"We’ve got some street entertainment. It’s just a feel-good factor. The wristbands have been flying out.”

With Nelson Square decked out in bright balloons, there was entertainment including breakdancers, cheerleaders and appearances from children’s favourites including a Minion from animated film Despicable Me.

The event was first held last year with four bars involved and more landlords have taken part this year.

Jenna Hartley, aged 25, from Little Lever, said: “I think it’s a great idea. Bolton needs more of this kind of stuff.”

Kelly Russell, aged 25, from Blackrod, added: “You get DJs everywhere but you don’t get bands.”

Dawn Price, marketing and events manager at Blind Tiger, Nelson Square, said: “The main thing is the music. The Balmoral, is having a lot of punk bands.

“We’ve got our acoustic and indie, and there’s rock at Dragonfly and acoustic at the Post Office. It’s about getting everybody working together to keep music going all the time.”

Bolton Street Angels — volunteers who help people have a safe night out in the town centre — held a cuddly toy tombola to raise funds.

The event also raised money for Bolton Hospice.