THOUSANDS of tickets have been snapped up for a free music festival taking place in Bolton next month.

In just three weeks, more than 6,500 passes have been ordered for Boltfest — taking place at Queens Park on the Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.

Some of the country's top rock, indie and metal tribute bands will perform at the festival and organisers are urging people to reserve their tickets, which are free but subject to a £2.90 booking fee, as soon as possible.

Jools Taylor, who has held a similar event in Prestwich for the past three years, said: "Tickets have gone exceptionally well for Boltfest and there is huge excitement for the festival.

"We are urging people to get their free tickets quickly and in advance as they are running low and there will be no tickets on the gates on the days, so it’s important to get the tickets now.

"Free tickets are available from boltfest.com and they can also be collected in person from X-Records in Bolton town centre — all you pay is a small booking fee."

Up to 10,000 music lovers are expected to descend on Queens Park for the two-day festival, which will feature professional tribute bands to acts including Royal Blood, The Doors, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Manic Street Preachers, AC/DC, Blur, Foo Fighters, Metallica and Led Zeppelin.

Mr Taylor, who previously worked organising international events for Ministry of Sound, hopes to make the festival an annual event.

Tribute bands on the line-up include The Doors Alive, Mentallica, The Reet Hot Chili Peppers, Fu Fighters and Led Into Zeppelin.

There will be music stages, beer tents, food stalls, children's activities and a VIP area, for which a handful of tickets remain — costing £11 with booking fee.

The festival will start at noon and finish at 10pm on both days.

Visit boltfest.com for more information or tickets.