Queen’s Park to celebrate 160 years with activities and stalls

A packed afternoon of festivities for children and adults has been put together by The Friends of Queens Park, the dedicated volunteers who help take care of it.

As well as face painting, crafts and traditional games, youngsters can join local children’s author Peter Brownlow for storytelling.

Some great prizes are on offer in the event’s raffle, like a National Trust ticket for five people, two vouchers for Jump Xtreme and free meals at Café Italia and Olympus fish and chips.

Music comes courtesy of Farnworth and Walkden Brass Band, Janet Mather, The Ukulangle Band and Bolton FM, which will be broadcasting live from the park.

Around 20 young performers from Ajay’s Morris Dancers will take to the stage, as well as members of the Bolton School of Dance and the youth group from BLGC.

Adding a colourful historical twist to the celebrations, Historia Normannis Bolton will stage mini medieval re‑enactments, bringing the sights and sounds of the past to life in the park.

Over 20 local groups will bring along their stalls, ranging from Lancashire Wildlife Trust to Baby Basics and Khidma Ladies.

Queen’s Park was first opened on May 24, 1866, and quickly became a popular day out for local people who would stroll among the gardens, listen to music at the bandstand and enjoy the views over the town.

After over a century at the heart of the community, the park sadly fell into disrepair in the 1980s and 90s.

But since then, millions of pounds of investment have revitalised it, with paths, statues, gardens and water features all brought back to life.

Ongoing investment by the council means the children’s play area has recently been cleaned and the sand pit ‘ship’ replaced, with new bins installed and benches restored.

New wildflower areas have been planted, a sensory garden created and planters placed at park entrances.

Ponds along the River Croal in the park have been cleared of weeds to encourage wildlife like ducks, coots, moorhens, herons and kingfishers.

Last month the Victorian fountain returned to working order for the first time since 2019 after £17,000 of repairs.

Thanks to the improvements and the efforts of the Friends of Queens Park, the park has received Green Flag status nine times since 2017, officially recognising it as one of the best parks in the country.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said:

“Among the many wonderful parks and green spaces Bolton is blessed with, Queen’s Park remains the jewel in the crown.

“We are very grateful to the Friends of Queens Park for all the hard work they put into its upkeep alongside council staff.

“The activities they have brought together will be a fantastic celebration of a very special place.”

Ruth Crawford from the Friends of Queens Park said:

"The Friends of Queens Park are pleased to mark the park’s one hundred and sixtieth anniversary with a community celebration, recognising its historical past and its opening as Bolton Park in May 1866.

“The afternoon will feature several music and dance performances, alongside local community stallholders, games and activities, bringing residents together to celebrate one of Bolton’s well-loved green spaces.

“As a volunteer-run group, the event reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping Queen's Park welcoming for everyone, and we invite people across Bolton to come along, explore and enjoy the day."

Celebrations take place on Saturday, May 23, from 1pm to 3:30pm near the Pavillion café at the Mayor Street entrance.

Full programme of activities

12:45 – Farnworth and Walkden Brass Band

1:00 – Mayor of Bolton to open event

1:05 – Ajays Morris Dancers

1:25 – Farnworth and Walkden Brass Band

1:30 – Historia Normannis historical reenactment

1:45 – BLGC youth group

2:05 – The Ukulangle Band

2:05 – Wilderswood storytellers (under 8s)

2:25 – Bolton School of Dance

2:45 – Farnworth and Walkden Brass Band

2:45 – Historia Normannis historical reenactment

3:05 – Raffle and prize draw

3:15 – Philomena Mather

3:30 – event close.