BOLTON’S Octagon Theatre has benefited from a share of more than £3 million of funding.

Leaders across Greater Manchester have, for the third year in a row, agreed to provide grant money for local groups.

In Bolton, The Octagon is set to receive more than £100,000 to help celebrate its 50th Anniversary year in 2017/18 with a number of major productions.

This funding will allow The Octagon to engage people from across Greater Manchester in its learning programmes and performances.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, Greater Manchester Lead for Culture, Arts and Leisure said: ‘This is great news for Greater Manchester and testament to the benefits of working together across our region.

“This funding will help these organisations give people the skills they need to get back to work, improve young people’s confidence through sport and performance, support older people, widen cultural participation and help support our world-leading cultural institutions.

He added: “ Even in the face of tightened budgets, we recognise the role that these organisations play in improving the social and economic prospects of our communities, so I’m delighted that Greater Manchester has been able to support them in this way.”

The Octagon’s boost rounds off a positive 12 months in terms of funding for the famous theatre.

Last January it was announced that Arts Council England had allocated £4.3 million from its Large Capital Grants Scheme to help with the ambitious plans to improve the theatre.

Work to modernise and enlarge the building is expected to start soon.