Visitors to Bolton may have found themselves doing a double take and wondering if they had stepped back into Christmas past!

For spotted around Le Mans Crescent by those enjoying the Christmas spirit was a Dickensian looking character who apparently can be heard uttering the words 'bah humbug' at any mention of the festive season.

And passers-by were not mistaken, they really had bumped into old Scrooge himself, who is bringing to life the classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol at the Octagon.

The Bolton News: Laurie Jamieson as Scrooge

Laurie Jamieson plays the character in Charles Dickens' novel. He was out and about Bolton town centre to promote the new musical adaptation of the production which will bring festive cheers to thousands of Bolton people this Christmas, especially the young ones.

The venue has announced details of its festive appeal with the proceeds going towards providing even more opportunities for young people in 2023.

The reformed Ebenezer Scrooge is - along with the rest of the characters - are backing thr important appeal to raise £5,000 for the Octagon’s engagement programme provides vital support and opportunities to local communities.

Donations from the festive appeal will help the venue invest in even more opportunities for local young people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in the arts and creative activities over the next 12 months.

The Bolton News: 1. Laurie Jamieson as Scrooge - image credit Adrian Drummond-Hill Bolton Documentary Photography

Anyone wanting to support the appeal can make a donation by text – simply text OCTAGONXMAS followed by donation amount to 70085 to give that amount; via their website at octagonbolton.co.uk/donate; or in person at the venue.

Text donations will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

The Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham commented: “Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the arts and the life enhancing benefits it provides. Our festive appeal this year hopes to raise money which can offer even more young people the opportunity to not only enjoy arts activities, but also provide them an outlet to be creative, build confidence and learn other vital life skills that the arts offers.

Read more: Director's joy at bringing Christmas Carol to Bolton Octagon

 

“We have an ambitious target of £5000 which we hope to raise by the end of January, so all donations will be greatly appreciated and really will go towards making a massive difference to the lives of young people in Bolton. A huge thank you to everyone who supports the Octagon, we could not do the work we do without the help of our wonderful audiences and supporters.”