PLANS for a summer festival in Bolton town centre are taking shape, and it is set to be bigger and better than last year’s popular event.

The festivities will run from Friday, June 19, to Sunday, June 28, along Churchgate and in the grounds of Bolton Parish Church.

Organisers hope there will something to tempt everyone.

Cllr John Walsh, chairman of the Churchgate summer festival committee, said: “We have a wide range of organisations working with us to make this an excellent event.

“What started out as humble beginnings last year has grown into a very exciting programme of events.

“Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the fun.”

The fun kicks off with a midsummer murder evening in the church hall on Friday, June 19.

Members of Bolton Little Theatre will be performing the story of a death at a golf club. A buffet meal is being prepared by Bolton chef Mike Harrison.

The first Saturday includes knights in battle at the parish church, a mediaeval market run by local charities, an exhibition by Bolton Art Circle, and a street market on Churchgate.

A series of concerts will be held during the week, with performances from Smithills School Brass Band on Monday, June 22, the Jill Fielding Band on Thursday, June 25, and Bolton Parish Church School choir, on Friday, June 26, at 1.10pm.

Members of the Royal Northern College of Music will present an evening of Victorian Entertainment on Friday, June 26.

Budding historians can can learn about the Churchgate of years gone by in a series of guided walks on Saturday, June 27, before enjoying a Victorian garden party The festival will draw to a close with a choral evensong at Bolton Parish Church on Sunday, June 28.

Many of the events are free but some incur a fee.

For more details about prices and individual events, contact the box office on 01204 334400.