A FIVE-YEAR cultural plan for Bolton is launched today. It will mean a double celebration in Victoria Square as television star Vernon Kay, who is returning to his home town to launch the plan, will also be switching on the Christmas lights.

The cultural plan has been drawn up over a year by the council in conjunction with the public, private and voluntary sectors. It has a wide scope. It is aimed at everyone who enjoys our heritage, architecture and landscape, literature, media, museums, design, performing and visual arts, craft and fashion, sport events, festivals and play activities.

Tomorrow sees the launch of the strategy with free events inside and outside the Town Hall, with other venues such as The Octagon, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, the Victoria Hall and Bolton Museum and Library also providing fun activities. Bolton Wanderers will be offering free tours of the Reebok, but pre-booking is essential for these.

The fun starts in Victoria Square at 11.15am and will feature Hayward School Steel Band, jazz, dancing and an aerobics demonstration.

The party continues into the evening with the Bolton Christmas lights switch-on celebrations. Music and entertainment starts at 5pm with the grand parade setting off at 6.15pm from outside the Packhorse in Bradshawgate. The lights switch-on is at 7pm in Victoria Square.

According to the council, cultural industries bring in millions of pounds and create hundreds of jobs in Bolton each year. In 1999, visitors spent an estimated £132 million in the borough. Bolton also attracts more than £2.5 million in external funding to support cultural activities.

Over the next five years, the plan is to develop an annual showcase of people's cultural experiences, increase the opportunity for people to contribute ideas, establish a one-stop-shop for information and improve transport systems.

Cllr Laurie Williamson, Bolton Council's executive member for culture, said: "We have seen what communities in the UK can achieve by highlighting their commitment to culture. It makes for thriving local communities and attracts visitors and industry to the town.