TODAY we launch our Rediscovering Bolton campaign in partnership with Bolton Council.

Over the next two months – in the run-up to Christmas and as we look forward to an exciting New Year – we will shine a light on everything that’s brilliant in Bolton.

We say that now is the time to rediscover our brilliant borough. We know that Covid is still here and that everyone in the town must continue to do their bit to keep this awful virus at bay.

But, as the majority of people in the town are now double-jabbed – and some are now beginning to receive booster vaccines – it is also clear that we are slowly but surely starting to see a return to something approaching normality.

The crowds are back at the UniBol Stadium as Bolton Wanderers continue their progress back up the leagues. Shoppers are back in Bolton Market, the Market Place and in our town centres across the borough. And our pubs and restaurants are back open after suffering more than most businesses across the UK during lockdown.

So we want to do our bit by championing our amazing borough and supporting local firms as we all try to build ourselves back up.

Bolton can survive and thrive if everyone living and working in the town shops local and supports our fantastic hospitality industry.

Bolton News’ Editor Steve Thompson said: “Bolton is my home town and I want to see it thrive. That’s why we’re launching this campaign with Bolton Council to support local businesses and urge everyone to play their part.

“Bolton at its best is a vibrant town. Events like the Food and Drink Festival and Ironman show that.

“We have so many fantastic facilities in Bolton – shopping at the Market Place and at Middlebrook, great local markets across the borough, three cinemas, plus we’re surrounded by beautiful countryside.

“We also have so many great places to eat and drink now across the borough.

“This week, we’re focusing on retail and Black Friday. I want to urge everyone, above all, to stay safe. Wear a mask if you can and make sure you have had both your jabs and a booster if you can.

“Then you can get back out into our amazing borough and rediscover Bolton.”

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, added: “Bolton town centre has a proud history as a retail destination and there is no better place to do your Black Friday shopping this week or to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family.

“Our town centre has a real mix of recognisable high street names, alongside unique independent traders selling things you simply won’t find anywhere else.

“More than 200 traders at the award-winning Bolton Market offer a wide range of goods alongside locally-sourced products.

“Elsewhere, our district centres offer a high street retail experience right in the heart of our local communities.

“It has been a difficult year for many traders, so it has never been more important to shop locally and back Bolton businesses.

“As a council, we are committed to making Bolton town centre a more vibrant and enjoyable place to visit and shop.

“Among the many things we’re doing to support local retailers this year is the newly launched DSCVR mobile app.

“Using this, businesses can promote themselves free and it’s a great space to promote special offers this Black Friday.”

Over at Market Place, the festive retail campaign is already getting into full swing.

As general manager Rachel Townsend said: “Christmas has really arrived here and we’re seeing our footfall get back to 2019 levels.

“More importantly, shoppers are spending and coming back to the Light Cinema and our restaurants in the Vaults.

“Market Place is ready to welcome shoppers back to Bolton town centre and the current business our stores are doing suggests that it will be a good one for shops, shoppers, restaurants and diners.”

This Friday, watch out for seasonal savings and special deals right across Bolton town centre and in local high streets - it’s a great time to get those festive bargains.

Favourite high street names like H&M and River Island have plenty of special deals and additional perks for those signing up to their loyalty programme.

Jewellery specialists Pandora have got spectacular deals ready to announce.

And New Look is offering big discounts throughout the store on Black Friday as shoppers plan their party wardrobe.

Perhaps Black Friday should be renamed Fabulous Friday this time around.

So join us in supporting our town with our Rediscovering Bolton campaign.