ARTS groups in Bolton are preparing to stage their most dramatic work yet – creating their own theatre.

Drama and music societies are aiming high with an ambitious plan to create a new venue space for the town.

The Amateur Community Theatre (ACT) groups are leading on the project which has been a dream for more than two decades and could require "millions" of pounds in funding to make a reality.

However, members believe the work will be worth it to create a venue which can be shared by the whole community.

ACT chairman, David Morlidge, from Smithills, said: "The thing that has been keeping us going for more than 20 years, is that other places have done it so why can't Bolton?

"We have the largest collection of amateur dramatic and operatic societies in the country. We deserve to have our own theatre.

"It is a tremendous project to embark on but I believe it is needed here and it is all part of the aim of the drama family."

Bolton's large am dram scene has faced its ups and downs over the years. While some societies like Bolton Little Theatre enjoy their own venues, others have struggled.

Among them are the likes of St. Paul’s (Astley Bridge) A.O.D.S. which is currently on its fourth venue after the village halls at Bromley Cross were closed earlier this year.

Last week The Bolton News reported that Bolton Symphony Orchestra had cancelled its bookings at the newly reopened Albert Halls due to fears over rising hire costs.

Some societies have not been put off – including BCMCS Musicals which returns to the halls with Sister Act in next year – but it has put pressure on the need to find a venue accessible to all.

Many groups have turned to the Victoria Halls as a back up, and while it holds a space in many peoples' hearts, the venue is too large at more than 1000 seats for some to fill every night.

Hence, the first aim of the group, which currently has in the region of £6,000 in the bank, is to raise funds to pay for a feasibility study.

The study will look at possible buildings which can be converted into a stage venue or land where a venue could be built, as well as costs and other factors.

In order to get the project off the ground ACT had been preparing to host a Gala Concert next month at the Victoria Hall featuring the likes of New Rosemere, CATS Youth Theatre, Opera 74 and the Marco Players.

However, due to conflicting summer schedules the concert, which harks back to an annual event held by societies a number of years ago, has been rescheduled for later in the year.

Mr Morlidge added: "We would like to raise something in the region of £5,000 to make up enough money for the feasibility study.

"We need professional help assessing the situation in Bolton, to help find a suitable building or land for a building and go from there.

"We are talking millions to build it. Our paltry £6,000 is not enough.

"The place has got to be used by everybody to make it viable, not just am dram groups, but it can be something great for the community."