BOLTON will be the first town in the North-west to kick off its Millennium celebrations - putting local people in the party mood.

The count down to New Year celebrations gets underway tomorrow with a packed line-up of entertainment.

Bands, singers and a fashion show will be thrilling crowds at Victoria Square.

The town is to stage another live show next Wednesday to mark 100 days before the Year 2000.

Wednesday's event, which starts at noon until 2.30pm, will include a fireworks display and lights show with 2000 balloons set to be released with the unveiling of Bolton Council's Millennium Countdown Board on the town hall square.

The two events are being held to promote Bolton as a regional shopping centre highlighting the newly refurbished £1.3 million precinct.

Cllr Cliff Morris, Chair of the Millennium Working group, said that both days would have something for everyone.

Cllr Morris said: "The entertainment will have everybody tapping their toes and clapping their hands and getting into the new millennium mood."

Saturday's show kicks off at 10.30am with singer Chris Perry followed by an eight piece soul band, a Rod Stewart look-a-like, DJ Tony Martin and fashion show at 2.15pm.

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