Events in Bolton
Kite Festival
01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013
The skies are full of colour above the town’s Moss Bank Park during the town’s annual kite festival.
The event takes place over one day in June and involves kites of all shapes and sizes being shown off in the air above the park.
Children and families are entertained by the kites as well as street entertainers, street artists, displays by local groups, puppet shows, face painting and live music. They are also invited to take part in activities such as kite-making workshops and other arts and crafts.
A popular part of the festival, which is held on a Sunday, is the parachuting teddy bears. Children are invited to take along a soft toy to be dropped from the top of a kite line and parachuted back to earth. Each toy is then given a certificate to show it has completed the drop.
The event is organised by Bolton Council.
Bolton, BL1 6NB Map
Added by: Lucy Robinson
Bolton Food and Drink Festival
01 August 2013 - 31 August 2013
There is plenty to delight the tastebuds at the town’s annual food and drink festival.
The festival runs for four days in August and events take place in various venues across the town.
Celebrity chefs are a common sight at the festival and big names to have appeared in the past include The Hairy Bikers, Gino D’Acampo and James Martin.
Cooking demonstrations are held in the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre in Victoria Square, in the heart of the town centre. There is also a speciality market in the square offering the very best food and drink.
Live demonstrations take place in Market Place Shopping Centre and Bolton Market and free street entertainment is on offer throughout the four days to keep families amused.
Venues, restaurants and other food outlets host events during the festival, including themed food evenings, a cider festival with music and free tasting and much more.
Bolton, BL1 1TN Map
Added by: Lucy Robinson
Smithills Hall Garden Party
01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013
For anyone who doesn’t get invited to the Queen’s annual garden party, Smithills Hall offers a great alternative.
The museum’s annual event takes place on a Sunday at the end of July and attracts around 1,000 visitors.
The Garden Party Dog Show is always a popular part of the day’s activities and includes fun categories such as mini agility; obedience; cutest pup; catch the sausage; the dog the judge would most like to take home; and a special prize for the best in show.
Live music is provided throughout the afternoon by local brass bands, and children are entertained with balloon modelling, a climbing wall, face painting and other activities. For anyone wanting to get stuck in, there are opportunities to take part in a variety of hands-on arts and crafts activities.
Food and drink stalls offer a selection of refreshments and craft stalls offer visitors some shopping opportunities.
Bolton, BL1 7NP Map
Added by: Lucy Robinson
Diversity
01 May 2013 - 31 May 2013
Diversity is a community festival that celebrates cultural diversity.
The event takes place over a weekend in May at Bolton Rugby Club, Avenue Street.
The celebrations include international and local folk music and dance, as well as food from around the world, which is prepared by the local community and voluntary groups.
Activities and entertainment take place both outdoors and in a large marquee.
Visitors to the free event can enjoy live folk music, archery, falconry, children's arts and crafts, face painting, henna hand painting, outdoor sports, gymnastic displays and a bouncy castle.
The festival is funded and organised by Halliwell Neighbourhood Management and Area Forum, with contributions from Bolton at Home, Contour Homes, ASDA and Franco Pizzas.
The aim of the festival is to help communities unite together for two full days of fun activities and educational fun where people can learn about each other’s traditions and cultures.
Bolton, BL1 3AW Map
Added by: Lucy Robinson
Bolton Beer Festival
01 October 2012 - 31 October 2012
The Bolton Beer Festival takes place once at year at the Bolton Rugby Club and is a popular event in the town’s calendar.
The festival is held over four days in October, and includes a wide selection of beers and other drinks as well as live music.
The event boasts over 200 cask ales from around the UK as well as lagers from all over the world. Visitors can also choose from a wide selection of ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
The beer festival raises money for the Bolton Lads and Girls Club, which is a youth centre offering activities for young people in the town.
Musician Jerome McMurray is a regular performer at the festival. Other bands also play during the event and in the past this has included Irish folk music and other styles.
The event, which has been taking place in Bolton since 1993, attracts hundreds of visitors. In recent years the venue has included a giant marquee.
Bolton, BL1 3AW Map
Added by: Lucy Robinson
