Here's our guide to what you can do in and around Bolton this weekend.

1. Tomorrow will see thousands gathering at Heaton Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The park will be hosting a concert at 7.30pm, as part of the national commemoration to mark the 100 year anniversary of the beginning of the battle. A service of remembrance will also be taking place at Manchester Cathedral followed by the free commemorative concert where hundreds of volunteers will form the Somme 100 Pals performance.

The event will feature music, dance, drama, film and poetry, paying respect to those who fought and died in the battle which lasted 141 days.

The Bolton News: Heaton Park in Prestwich

2. In Bolton the Central Library will be taking part in a national film screening to mark the centenary.

UNESCO listed film The Battle of the Somme will be shown for free at 1pm on Friday. Prior to the screening Chorley-based WWI historian and author Steve Williams will talk about the Bolton men who were at the battle.

The Bolton News: A peaceful poppy field

3. Summer fun takes over Bolton this weekend with events and fairs galore. Saturday sees the return of Bolton’s Big Day Out.

The charity fun day organised by the Bridge Church, in Bradford Street, will feature furry friends, rides, crazy golf, games, face painting, craft stalls, tombola, and much more, as well as a visit by Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Bolton FM.

It will run from 11am to 4pm.

The Bolton News: Bolton's Big Day Out

4. Also starting at 11am is Markland Hill Primary School's seasonal fair.

The school will be hosting attractions will include face painting, stalls, a Pimms Tent, cafe and games including beat the goalie and coconut shy, as well as much more. One lucky visitor will also be in a chance of winning a 45 inch television.

The Bolton News: Taking aim at the coconut shy is Jessica Jerram. PHOTO: Terry Henery

5. Meanwhile in Victoria Square from noon there will be a summer feel even if it is raining.

The feel-good factor will be down to a samba band, face painters, stalls and entertainment which is all part of the "No Planet B" climate awareness campaign which has rolled into town for the weekend.

The Bolton News: A Samba band

6. On Saturday two big festivities will be being celebrated around town. Blackrod Scarecrow Festival will transformed the town into the Land of Oz for two days.

Churches, schools and businesses will all be taking part in displays, activities and summer fairs for the 10th festival. Visitors can also purchase maps to go on the hunt for scarecrows.

The Bolton News: Snap-happy photographers found themselves in the frame at this year’s Blackrod Scarecrow Festival.

7. Meanwhile Westhoughton turns all colour for Saturday and Sunday.

Residents will be going down the rabbit hole for the second Westhoughton Yarn Bombing Festival.

This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland and from 11am to 4pm on both days there will be displays, live music, entertainment and stalls around the market, Market Street, Carnegie Hill and Mill Street.

The Bolton News: FESTIVAL: Westhoughton's Yarn Bombing Festival is back and this year there is an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party complete with The Queen of Hearts, Kellie McGarry and Kodie Gibbs as Alice in Wonderland aged 12, pictured with organisers Anna Riley

8. Alternatively you can grab your leather jacket and petticoats and hot-rod it down to Bolton Little Theatre.

The theatre in Hanover Street will be turning into a theatre for the evening as it hosts a Grease Sing-a-long! Tickets cost £10 and the show starts at 7.30pm.

The Bolton News: In Grease with John Travolta