Queens Park among best in the country

Bolton’s Queens Park has been recognised as one of the best in the UK.

The park is among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Queens Park, which opened in May 1866, is one of Bolton’s oldest parks as well as being of great heritage significance to the town.

The grade II listed park was restored between 2010 and 2016 with help from a £4.3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and additional funding from Bolton Council.

Since the refurbishment the park has also been used as a venue in Bolton’s events programme.

Music lovers have enjoyed Boltfest – a free two day music festival with some of Europe’s biggest tribute bands – for the past four years.

Queens Park played host this year to thousands of triathletes competing in Bolton’s 10th Ironman UK triathlon. The park was incorporated into the route for the first time.

Build has also started in the park for the Octagon Theatre’s production of the classic children’s tale ‘Gulliver’s Travels’.

The production will be the Octagon’s first ever park show and a cast of professional actors will be joined by giant puppets, young people and community groups at performances from August 16 to August 27.

Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the third year running.

“Since the restoration, the park really has gone from strength to strength. Parks bring people together and Queens Park is an invaluable community facility, which does just that.

“People are visiting in increasing numbers and the park has played a starring role in a huge music festival and an international sporting event.

“It will be something special to see the park take centre stage and transformed for Gulliver’s Travels.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Queens Park to such a high standard.”

Business Director for Octagon Theatre Bolton, Fiona Gibson, added: “Queens Park is such a wonderful place in the heart of Bolton, it’s magical setting was the obvious choice for our production of Gulliver’s Travels.

“Bolton Council and Queens Park Café have been extremely supportive in helping us make the production happen. ”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd, said: “Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

For tickets to the Octagon Theatre’ Gulliver’s Travels production visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk.