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Next week, the UK will enjoy a four-day bank holiday weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Bolton is going all out to celebrate this historic occasion.
Not only will there be 125 neighbourhood street parties across the borough, helped by the council’s decision to scrap road closure fees.
But the town centre will host the biggest party of them all, with major events planned to make it a truly memorable occasion.
From beacon lighting and a community picnic to live music and street entertainment, there will be something for residents of all ages to enjoy.
The town centre will look the part with banners and bunting while visitors can pick up free Union Jack crowns, miniature flags and fan-clappers.
Alongside these event, there is plenty of family fun on offer at Bolton libraries and Bolton Market.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Bolton’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend:
Thursday, June 2
Bolton will host one of 2,000 Beacon Lighting ceremonies across the UK at the Parish Church.
Starting at 9.15pm, the beacon will light up at 9.45pm to coincide with other beacons up and down the country and in other Commonwealth nations.
Friday, June 3
The Decades of Music Concert in Victoria Square will celebrate the very best of British music throughout the Queen’s historic 70-year reign.
Everyone is encouraged to enter the spirit of the occasion by dressing like it’s the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s or 2010s.
A bar and food stalls will sell traditional British fayre like fish and chips, cream teas and ice cream. Activities for children and young people will also be on offer.
Rock Choir (11.30-12noon): The award-winning community choir performing popular hits with their own inimitable sense of fun.
Beatles for Sale (12:15-13:15): One of the UK’s most authentic sounding Beatles tribute bands. The group has a full repertoire of all the Beatles' most famous songs; from early tracks such as “Please Please Me” to classics like “Hey Jude”.
The Quadrophenia Club Night (13.15-13.45 / 14:45-15:15 / 16:00-16:30): DJ Drew Stansall, saxophonist from The Specials, will be performing a DJ set and spinning the best in MOD, ska, two-tone, 60’s, R&B and Soul.
Who’s Next, a Tribute to the Who (13:45-14:45): Playing hits from the film Quadrophenia, including “Louie Louie”, “You Really Got Me” and “My Generation”.
The Boy George Experience (15:15-16:00): The only impersonator to be officially endorsed by Boy George himself, this unique tribute delivers Culture Club classics as well as George’s solo hits.
Andy Crosbie is Rocket Man (16:30-17:30): A seasoned musician with a great voice, who has taken his act all over the UK and abroad. This lifelike Elton John tribute features many costume changes and favourites such as “Rocket Man” and “I’m Still Standing”.
Spice Life (17:45-18:30): Bringing back the nostalgia of the 90s, this Spice Girls tribute replicates the smash hits, costumes, dance moves and immense atmosphere of the original group.
Amy's Winehouse and the Empty Cellars (19:00-19:30): A tribute to Amy Winehouse performing the unforgettable hits from an iconic career.
Little Fix (19:45-20.30): The UK’s most accurate tribute to girl super group Little Mix. Little Fix have gained a massive online following and a high reputation for delivering a full-out, show stopping performance that is enjoyed by all the family.
Parklife – The Sound of Britpop (21:00-22:00): A high energy live band performing all the classics from the Britpop era, bringing people together to sing along and enjoy 90s nostalgia.
Saturday, June 4
The Picnic on the Square will be a fitting tribute to Her Majesty with over six hours of music, dance and street theatre from noon to 6.30pm in Victoria Square.
Once again, a bar and food stalls will be available as well as activities for children and young people.
Specially invited community guests will enjoy a VIP experience including a picnic box thanks to Greenhalgh’s.
Music will be provided by Eagley Brass Band (13:00-14:00), Starlight Swing Orchestra (14:40-15:25), Phoenix Knights of Harmony (16:10-16:55) and Frankly Jazz (17:45-18:30).
Street theatre will include a giant Queen puppet, the High Flyers in their pedal-powered flying machine and The Tea Club, Trixie and Tilly, celebrating Britain’s passion for tea with a strolling piece of dance theatre.
Artists from the Bolton Hindu Forum will also delight the crowd with live music, dance classes and a community procession led by Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa pipeband.
Sunday, June 5
A civic procession will start at Bolton Town Hall at 2.10pm before heading to the Parish Church.
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