THOUSANDS of people were expected to descend on the town centre in wacky costumes last night.

The Boxing Day fancy-dress extravaganza was organised by pub consultant Richard Greenwood.

Mr Greenwood, who has such a passion for fancy-dress that he had a fancy-dress wedding, decided Bolton could take on Wigan, which has held the Boxing Day tradition for years.

And by yesterday more than 3,000 people had signed up to the group, Make Bolton Fancy Dress On Boxing Day, on the social network website, Facebook.

People, dressed as everything from Elvis and superheros to pirates and gangsters, filled the town centre pubs, bars and clubs for the fun event.

Mr Greenwood had signed up dozens of nightspots to support the idea and offer discounts to participants.

The 33-year-old said: “It’s been a fantastic turnout and it feels great that it has been a success.

“I am pleased to see the people of Bolton taking such an interest and there are people from Wigan here too. We won’t have beaten Wigan because they have so many people taking part, but we will have dented their numbers. If we’ve had 1,000 people I’ll be really pleased.”

Mr Greenwood, of Raikes Lane, Darcy Lever, who is a consultant for The Swan, The Flying Flute and the Kiko club, all in Bradshawgate, thinks it could become a regular event for Bolton.

He said: “Judging from the response it’d be daft not to do it every year. It’s just a lot of fun and a laugh and is good for Bolton.”

Money was also being collected by the fancy-dress wearers last night and will be donated to Bolton Destitute Animal Centre.

l For more pictures of last’s night revellers go online to theboltonnews.co.uk cherry.thomas@theboltonnews.co.uk