ALL eyes are on the town centre as civic leaders celebrate the birth of the Bolton borough on Tuesday

An historical re-enactment and a contemporary dance performance add a touch of drama to the 750th anniversary celebrations of Bolton's Charter, while the act of signing document itself is carried out.

Click here Celebrating 750 years of Bolton life for all our earlier reports

On January 14, 1253, William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby -- who was the lord of the Manor over Bolton -- signed a charter to the town, conferring various rights. The document is generally regarded as marking the beginning of the town as it is today.

And today, 750 years later, visitors will be able to see the historic moment recreated by civic leaders. Significant events from the town's past will also be acted out by Canon Slade School students.

The Mayor of Bolton Cllr John Walsh, executive members of the council and schoolchildren will begin their dramatisation at 10am at the Market Cross on Churchgate.

The re-enactment will begin with a special peal of bells ringing out from Bolton Parish Church.

Canon Slade Sixth form students intend to depict other significant events from Bolton's history through a contemporary dance performance.

Twenty-one 'A' level performing art students will wow crowds with their dance based around civil war events that took place in Bolton, focusing on the Bolton massacre in the 1640s and the be-heading of James Stanley, Earl of Derby in 1651, outside the Man and Scythe pub in Churchgate.

Head of Expressive Arts Gail Shuttleworth said: "They are performing a piece that is actually part of their performing arts 'A' level. They have to perform a historical piece in the community."

Some Year 10 students will read out the 26 orders made by the historic Charter.

It had been hoped that descendents from James Stanley and his executioner would be able to attend the event but so far none have come forward.

The re-enactment will begin a series of anniversary celebrations through this week.

On Friday the Mayor's Charity Ball will take place at the Reebok Stadium and on Saturday and Sunday there will be fun for all the family with a medieval market in Churchgate.

The mediaeval style archway that has been put up across Churchgate will stand there until January 25.

More details about the Charter anniversary celebrations are available on 01204 334400.