Family favourites are set to return to the town centre this year as tickets go on sale for Bolton’s spectacular Winter Festival.
A giant covered ice rink, a teepee bar and yuletide entertainment are just some of the highlights of the festival.
The event is organised by Bolton Council with a host of partners, including Warburtons.
New this year is the Festive Family Zone in Crompton Place Shopping Centre offering free family entertainment throughout the festival, and it’s also the new home for Santa’s Grotto.
Tickets for the ice rink and Santa’s Grotto are on sale at visit www.boltonwinterfestival.com for more information and to buy tickets.
Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “A Bolton Christmas is about family and friends, and we want to help make it a special time for all.
“We are sure the Festival will bring thousands of people into the town centre. There really will be something for everyone this year with such a packed schedule of events, everything is ready for a magical festive season.”
Executive Director at Warburtons, Brett Warburtons, added: “We’re a proud Bolton company, delighted to be supporting the council with the Winter Festival. Our company was born and bred in this town and it is wonderful to be involved.”
Ice rink is back
By popular demand, the covered rink, which features real ice, will return and take pride of place in Victoria Square. Open daily from 10am (closing times vary so customers are advised to check when booking) the rink is sure to be a highlight over the festive period.
Priced to be an affordable experience for all, tickets cost from £4.50 for children, £8 for adults and £24 for a family ticket. Various discounts are available too, including the popular parent and child ‘Penguin Club’ (under-8s), midday madness and happy hour and half.
There really will be something for everyone this year with such a packed schedule of events, everything is ready for a magical festive season.
Crompton Place Family Zone
The former BHS shop will be converted to a Festive Family Zone, following its success at Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
Free entertainment on offer includes air hockey and table football arcade games, and visitors can have a go at snow cross and alpine racer computer games.
And, of course, no Winter Festival would be complete without the traditional visit from Santa who will be setting up home in the Family Zone too with his new grotto.
Each child will receive a gift of a festive book to take home. Visits cost just £4 per child, and the grotto will be open from 10am – 6pm, Thursday – Sunday before Christmas (plus Monday 23 and Tuesday 24).
Teepee café bar
The Teepee café bar is back on Victoria Square where families can warm up from the cold, grab a hot chocolate, a bite to eat and sit back, relax and enjoy listening to some great local entertainment on the live music stage. Open daily from 11am.
Opening hours and more information
The festival also has a packed programme of free entertainment across the four weeks including street performancers, reindeer and donkey visits, carol singing as well as children’s fair rides.
As well as ongoing free weekend and bank holiday parking, town centre visitors can also enjoy free parking at Topp Way, Deane Road and The Octagon car parks after 3pm on weekdays, from November 21.
The festival will welcome its first visitors on Saturday, December 7 and will be open every day until Sunday, January 5 (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Keep an eye on www.boltonwinterfestival.com, follow the “Bolton Winter Festival” page on Facebook and follow @BoltonWinterFes on Twitter for updates and more.
Partners: Warburtons, MBDA System; University of Bolton, The Northern, Impression Ltd and Bolton FM as Partners.