CHRISTMAS shoppers will be treated to thousands of free parking spaces in Bolton during the festive period.

Parking at the three multi-storey facilities in the town centre — at Deane Road, Topp Way and the Octagon — will be free after 3pm every weekday from Thursday, November 17.

The free after 3pm offer coincides with the start of late night shopping and Bolton’s Christmas Lights switch-on.

This year, Olympic golden couple Jason Kenny and Laura Trott will be lighting up the town centre at the ceremony.

The weekday parking initiative, which is in addition to the free weekend and Bank Holiday parking on offer already at these sites, will run until Friday, January 6.

Parking will be free on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day — all these days fall on a weekend when there is already no charge for parking.

The council’s partners NCP, which operates Deane Road, the Octagon and Topp Way, are implementing the scheme.

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: "We are delighted to be able to once again offer free weekday parking after 3pm during what is sure to be an extremely busy time in the town centre.

“This demonstrates how committed the council is to making it as easy and affordable as possible for shoppers to visit.

“We want to do everything we can to encourage more people into town and to support our town centre businesses, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.

“This initiative has proved popular in recent years and has a positive impact on visitor numbers.

“We’re also planning a special festive winter programme this year and the free parking extension will help support this.”

For more information about the Winter Festival visit visitbolton.com/winterfestival.