Fun in the sun at first Astley Bridge festival

There was something for visitors of all ages at the two-day event, which was held over several venues on Saturday and Sunday.

Arts and craft and activities for youngsters were held at Oldhams Children's Centre on Saturday, as well as displays about the history of Astley Bridge at Drummond Street Community Centre.

And with the sun out, hundreds of people crammed into Astley Bridge park on Sunday to enjoy themselves.

Among the popular attractions was the opportunity to fire a gun brought by the Pegasus re-enactment team, who were dressed in World War Two period clothes and with military vehicles.

Also bringing in the crowds at the park was a dog agility show, a dance show and a range of stalls and refreshments.

Younger visitors were well catered for with a bouncy castle, the chance to sit in a fire engine and football with a mini tournament organised by Bolton Wanderers Community Trust.

Zoe Jedrzejewski came with her seven-year-old son Alfie, who particularly enjoyed the bouncy castle.

She said: "It has been really good, Alfie has loved it and the weather has been great, which has been brilliant."

Claire Sandiford also brought her son, four-year-old Mallory, and she praised festival organisers for getting people out and about.

She said: "It is just what the place needs, bringing a bit of life to the are and getting families out enjoying themselves."

The festival has been organised by Cllr Hilary Fairclough and the Friends of Astley Bridge group, and she said its first year had been positive.

Cllr Fairclough said: "We got the weather, which was the main thing, and the first one has gone really well. We hope it will now become an annual event."