BOLTON will be getting brighter as the nights get longer, thanks to its first Light Festival.

A series of illuminating events are planned for next week as communities across Bolton help make the town shine.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “I am sure the inaugural Bolton Light Festival will brighten up everyone’s winter as communities come together for a series of unique and enjoyable events.”

The festival has been developed from the lantern parade that formed part of the Bolton Christmas lights switch-on last year.

It will see a series of light-themed performances take place across the town, starting on October 18 with events to mark the Hindu festivals of Dashehra and Diwali, and culminating in the Christmas lights switch-on lantern parade on November 22.

Other events include a spectacular light display projected onto Bolton Town Hall on November 16 and 17, funded by Bolton at Home.

This event will shine a cultural spotlight on the town and will mark the 21st anniversary of Bolton at Home’s Percent for Art initiative which has championed arts and creativity in the borough.

Gaynor Cox, housing arts officer at Bolton at Home, said: “The Bolton Light Festival will be a celebration that involves as many people as possible from communities right across the town. It’s about bringing people together and promoting Bolton as a unique destination.

“We look forward to seeing people from across the borough lighting up the town in a variety of creative ways, including dance, drama, film, music and poetry.”

As part of the festival, ten community groups from across Bolton – including Bolton Lads and Girls Club and Bolton Interfaith Council - will each put on their own light-themed arts performances, funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) arts funding.

Other key dates for the Bolton Light Festival are Bolton Hindu Forum’s ‘Sharad Purnima Na Garba’ dance festival on October 27, the Leverhulme Park firework display on November 2, lantern making workshops on October 31 and November 13 and the Museum and Library Night Code Breakers event on November 14.

Cllr Thomas said: “The festival is a great opportunity for everyone across Bolton to explore their creative side and get involved with the arts.”

More details about the events in Bolton Light Festival will shortly be available at www.boltonlams.co.uk/lightfestival