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Bolton 2012 

Major events

Bolton is all set for an exciting year-long programme of sporting events and activities to coincide with a massive year of UK sport.

The council has designated 2012 as a ‘Year of Sport’ to recognise the unprecedented year ahead for the UK and to ensure residents and visitors of all ages get the chance to join the celebrations and take part in sports, events and activities throughout the year at a local level.

Bolton’s special year had its official launch on Thursday January 26 at the Reebok Stadium, home of premiership football team Bolton Wanderers and in the shadow of the nearby ‘Spirit of Sport’ sculpture which stands taller than the Angel of the North.


Read on for all Bolton's major events...

University of Bolton BoSPAA Sports Awards
Friday 5th October 2012
The Bolton Sports and Physical Activity Alliance, the organisation that supports and develops grass root sport in Bolton, will be celebrating local sporting achievement and volunteers. Many people have been nominated and we now await the results to give awards to lots of fantastic Bolton athletes. For more information please visit the Bospaa awards page or for information about our main sponsor, the University of Bolton and the courses they have on offer visit www.bolton.ac.uk. You can also visit the websites of our award sponsors, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, The Emerson Group, Serco Leisure, Get Active and Balfour Beatty. For more information see our Bolton 2012 Games section.

 

Events already taken place...

Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile
Sunday 25 March
Leverhulme Park
Get involved with the 2012 Year of Sport by taking part in one of Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile events happening across the country. Numbers are limited to the first 500 applicants. Visit www.sportrelief.com/the-mile to enter.



One Bolton Match Day
Saturday 21 April
Reebok Stadium
If you've always wanted to see a top-flight match but never quite managed it, why not come along and enjoy the One Bolton Match Day. Bolton Council has teamed up with Bolton Wanderers to organise a match day that provides a great opportunity to bring all ages and communities together to watch BWFC play Swansea City. Go to www.bwfc.co.uk for more details.


Respect Me Respect You
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April 
Queen's Park (Chorley New Road entrance)
"Respect Me, Respect You" brings together people of all ages and cultures to help make a difference in Halliwell. The event will include a mix of international entertainment, music, dance and foods produced by local voluntary groups.
Go to www.bolton.gov.uk/onebolton for more details.



Olympic Torch Relay
Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June
We're delighted to play host to the Olympic Torch as it makes its way around the UK. On Thursday 31 May, the torch arrives in Bolton from Wigan and heads to the town centre. A fantastic festival atmosphere will be created culminating in an amazing evening celebration in Queen's Park. The eyes of the world will be on Bolton and we want it to be a party to remember, see the frequently asked questions for more details.  As only one of 66 locations in the UK, the torch will make Bolton its home for the night before heading over to Liverpool the next day. See the Olympic Torch Relay Route.


Olympic Torch event in Victoria Square
Thursday 31 May, 12 noon to 7.30pm
Throughout the day there will be singers, dancers, choirs, bands and even balloon modellers performing on the stage that will be situated in front of the town hall, and in the streets surrounding Victoria Square. There will also be a big screen showing highlights of Olympic events on the day and showcasing local events during the Bolton Year of Sport 2012.

For a full list of events and times on day, please see our latest news release.


Queens Park – A Party to Remember
Thursday 31 May, 5pm to 7.30pm 
Lucky ticket holders will be treated to a fabulous evening of entertainment and celebration from the Olympic supporting partners and Bolton’s home-grown talent.  There’s live music from indie, chart topping band The Wombats along with showcases for local favourites including Laura White, Bolton’s Octagon Youth Theatre, Sharples and Westhoughton Samba Band and the Sunshine Street Dancers. Whatever you do, don’t miss out, it’s sure to be flamin’ great!

 

The Big Lunch
Sunday 3 June, 12noon to 3pm, Queens Park
Bring a picnic or get sandwiches and snacks from the Queen Elizabeth II Pavilion Café and enjoy a fun filled afternoon of entertainment including: 'The Bourbon Street Roof Raisers', 'Song Smith Solar', a fairground and children's games and activities.

Find out more about The big bank holiday weekend.



Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Monday 4 June
Bolton will be joining national celebrations to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 2 to Tuesday 5 June, there will be many street parties, visit www.bolton.gov.uk/streetparty for road closure details. Across Bolton we'll also be lighting special beacons on Monday 4 June as we join communities across the globe in celebration of this very special occasion.


Horwich Festival of Racing
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June
Since it began in 2002, Horwich Festival of Racing has grown to become one of the most popular sporting events in the North West. This year’s event features British standard cycling, running and road walking championships, a young persons swim and run plus street orienteering. For more information, go to www.horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk.

 

One Bolton 5k and 2012m Fun Run
Sunday 8 July
Sign up today for a great family day out to raise money for local charities. We welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels to get involved. You can run, jog or walk in support of your chosen charity; raising money for them as well as local sports clubs and charities. Starting from the Reebok Stadium, run the course through Middlebrook and into the nature reserve. What are you waiting for? Register at www.bwct.org.uk/one-bolton-5k1 today!

 

Ironman UK Triathlon
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July
Returning to Bolton for the 4th year, Ironman UK continues to offer a world-class event in the heart of the beautiful Northwest countryside.

For more information, visit www.ironmanuk.com. 

 

Ironkids 2012
Saturday 21 July
A brand new ‘run only’ event for children aged 3 to 15 years is coming to Bolton during the Ironman race weekend.  The race will take place in the town centre on 21 July. 

To find out more visit www.ironkids.co.uk or enter the race online.

 

 

Bolton Food and Drink Festival
Friday 24 to Monday 27 August
Experience one of the Northwest's finest foodie events, right here in Bolton town centre. The festival features live cookery demos from top celebrity chefs, a fantastic speciality market with over 70 stalls plus free family entertainment including music and street theatre. For more information, visit www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com.

 

Skyride
Sunday 16 September
Bolton town centre
Join in Bolton's fun bike ride. Cycle through the streets of the town centre in this safe and family friendly event. Register for free at www.goskyride.com.


Bolton's exciting year of sport for everyone