THOUSANDS have flocked to the town centre this Christmas period to enjoy the festive attractions.

The Winter Wonderland activities, including a covered ice rink and giant snow slide, have been pulling in people from across the region throughout December and into the New Year.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council, said: “Our Christmas attractions have proven to be incredibly popular.

“People have travelled from across the region to try them out and have at the same time been shopping in the town centre for Christmas and picking up bargains in the sales.”

The Winter Wonderland is open until January 8 and NCP parking is free after 3pm until this weekend.

Shoppers have also been enjoying retail therapy in the £20m redeveloped Market Place with footfall up 12 per cent compared to last December.

Centre manager Nikki Wilson-Cook said: “We are delighted with the increase and it is well above the national average

“There is no question about it that it is down to the Market Place’s refurbishment.

“This year for the first time we have had restaurants and the cinema open and also the Amazonia in The Vaults, all which have made a massive difference as have the new retailers like Topshop and New Look.

“Boxing day was particularly manic with people queuing from 5am for the Next sale.

“The queue was down past Zara, so the store manager was delighted with that.

“We’ve had some really fantastic sale figures overall.”