Bolton takes centre stage as region’s ‘Town of Culture’

Bolton, Greater Manchester's Town of Culture 2024, launches a big year of events

Written by Chris Gee
Last updated 2 months ago
Bolton, Culture

Bolton has launched its year as Greater Manchester town of culture with an event at the town’s famous Octagon Theatre.

Performances from the theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors were among the highlights of the celebration alongside a showcase of local arts and culture.

Bolton Greater Manchester town of culture 2024

Each year, towns across Greater Manchester are invited to bid to become Town of Culture, which comes with a £50,000 grant to support local projects.

Bolton’s winning bid focused on emphasising how culture is the heartbeat of the town, building on the recently launched cultural strategy.

Bolton is the fourth place to be named Greater Manchester Town of Culture, following successful programmes in Bury, Stalybridge and Stockport.

Greater Manchester town of culture 2024

The Town of Culture programme was set up by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, in 2019.

Helping choose the bid winner, he explained why Bolton took the title this year: “I am absolutely delighted that Bolton has been selected as the Town of Culture 2024,” he said.

“The bid submitted by Bolton is everything we want a town of culture bid to be: ambitious and exciting while being firmly rooted and shining a spotlight on the
amazing local talent. “I’m confident that we’ll see the very best of Bolton over the next 12 months and that people will come from far and wide to see what this brilliant town has to offer.”

Lotte Wakeham, artistic director of the Octagon Theatre

Lotte Wakeham, artistic director of the Octagon Theatre said: “We’re thrilled and very proud that Bolton is the GM Town of Culture 2024. “The Octagon has always been part of a thriving cultural landscape in Bolton, and this award will help showcase the rich culture of the town.

“We are delighted to be part of this exciting year for Bolton, celebrating the range and diversity of arts and culture this town has to offer.

“This includes Bolton’s first Comedy Festival this summer, launching our affordable ticket scheme and being part of community projects across the borough.”

You can get tickets by clicking here

Bolton Council will be running a year-long series of events and activities in celebration that links with its new cultural strategy.

This article was first published on 14 May 2024 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
Last updated 2 months ago.

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