THERE is always loads going on around the region.

Here are our five top things to do or visit this weekend.
 

The Bolton News:

Bolton’s spectacular Christmas attractions open this Saturday, December 8, bringing festive cheer to Victoria Square.
A giant covered ice rink and a nativity scene will take pride of place in Victoria Square, along with a huge cosy tipi , a new addition this year. The rink can hold up to 180 people per session. The popular Penguin Club, for parents and children, takes place 9am to 10am weekends, and daily from December 20. Visitors can pop into the tipi for a tipple or winter warming hot drink from the festive bar, or a snack from the sweet treats menu. The tipi will also be home to a stage for performers.

Turton Rotary Club’s popular Christmas sleigh is ready to slide into town this weekend. Santa and his snowmen will once again tour the local streets and supermarkets raising money for charity. First stop on Saturday as Asda at Astley Bridge from 10am to 6pm, while the sleigh will move on to Morrison’s in Harwood on Sunday

The Bolton News:

Chorley’s Santa Express will whisk families on a magical journey from Chorley town centre through Astley Park to meet Father Christmas at Astley Hall. Jump aboard Chorley’s Santa Express land train on Market Street, opposite the town hall in Chorley town centre between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Every child who meets Father Christmas will receive a Christmas gift. Chorley’s Santa Express tickets must be purchased in advance at £8 for children, aged 12 and under, and £4 for adults. 

The Mayor’s Christmas Fair is coming to the Albert Halls in Bolton on Saturday.
From 10am, there will be more than 25 stalls selling gifts and homemade crafts, refreshments. A tombola and table top games will also make an appearance. The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, will open the fair. They will be joined by Santa’s elves in an indoor grotto at the fair, where children can be treated to a present from Father Christmas.
Entrance to the fair will be 50p for adults and free for children. Santa’s grotto entry will be £2.

The Bolton News:

Ska-Punk legends [Spunge] come to Bolton for the first time ever for a intimate indoor gig at the Alma Inn, Bradshawgate. Tickets are £13 advance and £19 on the door. [Spunge] is a name that undoubtedly ranks in the top tier of the ska-punk movement. From debut EP ‘Kicking Pigeons’ onwards, they have entertained crowds the world over with their infectious, Punk-infected, anthemic tunes. The gig is 16+ and under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult.