The Mayor of Bolton invites everyone to a very special Civic Sunday church service this weekend.
The service will take place at Bolton Parish Church this Sunday, January 30 at 11am.
Normally held in May each year, Bolton has not celebrated a Civic Sunday since 2019 due to COVID restrictions.
The service traditionally marks the appointment of a new mayor and is normally preceded by a parade through the town centre.
This weekend’s event will be limited to the service itself and guests are asked to wear face masks at all times.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, will receive a guard of honour into the church from the 216 Bty RA, 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery.
Military Standards will be on display in the church.
She will be joined by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Mrs Diane Hawkins JP DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Prof. George Holmes, the Bishop of Salford Rev John Arnold, fellow mayors from across Greater Manchester, the Leader of Bolton Council Cllr Martyn Cox, and other dignitaries.
Bolton Mayor, Cllr Thomas said:
“It is an honour to serve Bolton as Mayor at a time when our community spirit has never been stronger in our response to COVID-19.
“Unfortunately, over the last 18 months the pandemic has disrupted a number of our traditional annual events.
“That is why I am so pleased to see the return of Civic Sunday.
“I look forward to seeing many of you there to mark this special occasion by coming together to acknowledge all the goodwill that people have shown for each other.”