SHOPPERS in the town centre were treated to a taste of South Asian culture as community groups brought Bollywood to Bolton.

The festival at the Market Place Shopping Centre on Saturday and Sunday, organised by the Bolton Hindu Forum, provided an opportunity for visitors to showcase dance, music, arts and any other entertainment to celebrate the region.

The musical performances included a performance from Sitar player Mohibur Miah, while people sampled on samosas made by Shreena Patel from Bolton's Premier Indian Deli.

Visitors were also treated to screenings of Bollywood films Sholay and Mother India at the Light Cinema. The event was part of the Great Get Together weekend, which was launched by the Jo Cox Foundation after the murder of the Labour MP in 2016.

It was the latest in a number of events to mark the occasion put together by community groups including the Bolton Interfaith Council.

This included the Genocide Memorial Day, which took place in Bolton Town Hall on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, Chan Parmar, strategic officer at the interfaith council, and Paras Agravat, from the hindu forum, said: "We had two days of glorious sunshine and also the celebration of Bollywood and the Great Get Together in memory of Jo Cox, MP who lost her life almost two years ago through hatred for her humanitarian beliefs.

"Both days saw many people screening of two classic Bollywood movies of the past, Mother India and Sholay. "Organised by the Market Place Shopping Centre and led by Bolton Hindu Forum and Bolton Interfaith Council with excellent support from the Light Cinema, DG6 Dholis, Christian Cohesion, Halwa Centre, Bolton FM, Chai Times, Bolton at Home and many community groups along with numerous volunteers who entertained crowds with sitar playing, dancing, singing,viola playing, henna painting which resulted in a wonderful Mhendi Queen Competition with top prize shared.

"Both days provided truly wonderful community events which connects and raises awareness of other cultures and traditions.

"Music is a wonderful platform which unites and and brings people together as one community to share our common values through entertainment and food is very good thing for us all.

"On behalf of both organisations, and our partners ,we are grateful to everyone who participated and supported all the activities. Jo Cox would be very proud of Bolton' s events to bring communities together.

"This kind of events helps us to break down the barriers and wrong perceptions."

Throughout the weekend, cakes and drinks were provided by the organisers for everyone at the events.

They were all supported by charity Forever Manchester, which raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester.

For more information on events organised by faith groups across the Bolton area, go to the Bolton Interfaith Council's website at boltoninterfaithcouncil.org.uk