THE first day of one of Bolton’s biggest music events is in full swing.

Boltfest opened its gates at 11am and welcomed thousands of festival goers to Queens Park.

To the two day live music event kicked off today with sunshine and showers failing to put off the crowds of friends and families.

Organisers said around 5,000 people are expected to attend today’s event, with more than 6,000 expected to turn out tomorrow.

The Bolton News:

Organiser Jools Taylor said: “It’s very busy time and we expect it to be busier tomorrow.

“Today is quite rock but tomorrow there’s a lot more of a mix in terms of music.

“We are very happy with the turn out. It has been a tense few days but people have come together.

“It is really good, I think people have responded really well.”

The event is the town’s biggest rock festival featuring bands from around the UK playing across two stages.

A line-up op some of the country’s top tribute artists include headliners Guns or Roses and Pantera UK, Slipknowt and Mentallica.

The Bolton News:

As well as the music, the event paid tribute to those affected by the Monday terror attack at the Manchester Arena.

Crowds fell silent for two minutes at 2pm as a mark of respect to those who died or were injured in the incident.

Money raised through the sale of the Boltfest programme will also go to the victims fund launched by the Manchester Evening News.

Mr Taylor added: “I think people want to be together at a time like this.

“People have come out in defiance and shown their respects.”

Tomorrow will include headliners Flew Fighters and The Cureheads, Ozzbest, the Phonics, Mused, Daft Pnnkx and TVOD.

Last entry is at 7.30pm today with events finishing at 10pm.

Gates reopen at 11am tomorrow.