An independent music festival returns to Bolton town centre today, Friday.

Right To Roam is coming back for its third instalment on Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8.

The festival will be headlined by The K's and A Certain Ratio, as well as a performance from BBC radio DJ Mark Radcliffe with his project "Mark Radcliffe's Une".

It will take place at six stages and venues across Bolton town centre, the main stage in Victoria Square, The Octagon, Northern Monkey, Bar Four, The Patio and The Alma, with more than 80 acts performing.

The Bolton News: The Swells at Bolton OctagonThe Swells at Bolton Octagon

Wristbands can be collected from Bar Four in The Vaults at Market Place Shopping Centre between 1pm to 8pm on Friday and 11am to 6pm on Saturday.

Set times are available on Clashfinder at this link: https://clashfinder.com/s/r2r2023/

The festival advises to buy tickets in advance as they have sold out in previous years, but that they may be available on the day depending on demand. 

One of the organisers, Ivan Crompton, said: "It's been stressful, but it is quite calm at the moment, it is a big undertaking to do.

"All the team involved have other jobs and main professions, I'm a teacher, but it does what it says on the tin, a community-led volunteer festival." 

The festival is supported by RockIt Bolton, which is a weekly programme aimed at providing opportunities such as making it possible for young people to record and perform in the borough and beyond. 

It is inclusive of all ages, with children welcome at all venues for the duration of the event. 

The Bolton News: Right to RoamRight to Roam (Image: Newsquest and public)

Discussing the ticket sales, Ivan added: "They have been really, really good.

"We put the price of tickets as low as possible, a festival like this costs a lot of money, but we have had good sponsorship and support from local businesses.

"They bought into the idea of a not-for-profit festival, and any money we do make will go into the festival, we're trying to foster a local scene.

"Tickets are 75-80 per cent sold and on the main stage we have sold around 3,000 tickets."

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.righttoroambolton.com/