FROM pop icons to classical ballet there's plenty to keep you occupied in Bolton this weekend.

Gareth Gates

BRADFORD-BORN Gareth Gates was famously runner up to Will Young in the UK’s first Pop Idol in 2002.

Going on to sell over 3.5 million records, release three albums and have four number one singles, in 2009, Gates moved into musical theatre, playing the title role in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre.

He has since performed a successful ‘Boogie Nights’ concert tour with the legendary Osmonds continues a successful career in musical theatre.

Gareth Gates performs at the Bolton Holiday Inn on Saturday, October 19 at 7pm. Tickets: £20 from www.seetickets.com

The Nutcracker

AFTER sell-out performances last year, the Russian National Ballet returns to the UK with their delightful production of The Nutcracker. The charming and kindly fairy tale is one of the jewels of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire and an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet.

The Nutcracker is at Bolton Albert Halls on Saturday, October 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

Northern Live - Do I Love You

THE Northern Soul scene blossomed in the 1970s, when DJs would hunt down rare soul 45s and bring them back to play in venues across the North West. This show recreates those sweaty nights with an 11-piece band performing the genre’s classic tunes.

Northern Live - Do I Love You is at Bolton Albert Halls on Friday, October 18. Tickets: £22.50 from www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk / 0843 2080 500

Wayward Jane

WAYWARD Jane’s music is an innovative interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions. Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmonies. They appear at the Folk at the Barlow night on Friday, October 18 at 8pm. For tickets: www.thebarlow.co.uk