Platinum Jubilee in Bolton: Your guide to Bolton’s royal spectacular

Next week, the UK will enjoy a four-day bank holiday weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Bolton is going all out to celebrate this historic occasion.

Not only will there be 125 neighbourhood street parties across the borough, helped by the council’s decision to scrap road closure fees.

But the town centre will host the biggest party of them all, with major events planned to make it a truly memorable occasion.

From beacon lighting and a community picnic to live music and street entertainment, there will be something for residents of all ages to enjoy.

The town centre will look the part with banners and bunting while visitors can pick up free Union Jack crowns, miniature flags and fan-clappers.

Alongside these events, there is plenty of family fun on offer at Bolton libraries and Bolton Market.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Bolton’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend:

Thursday, June 2

Bolton will host one of 2,000 Beacon Lighting ceremonies across the UK at the Parish Church.

Starting at 9.15pm, the beacon will light up at 9.45pm to coincide with other beacons up and down the country and in other Commonwealth nations.

Friday, June 3

The Decades of Music Concert in Victoria Square will celebrate the very best of British music throughout the Queen’s historic 70-year reign.

Everyone is encouraged to enter the spirit of the occasion by dressing like it’s the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s or 2010s.

A bar and food stalls will sell traditional British fayre like fish and chips, cream teas and ice cream. Activities for children and young people will also be on offer.

For a full line up of the music on offer go to www.bolton.gov.uk.

Saturday, June 4

The Picnic on the Square will be a fitting tribute to Her Majesty with over six hours of music, dance and street theatre from noon to 6.30pm in Victoria Square.

Once again, a bar and food stalls will be available as well as activities for children and young people.

Specially invited community guests will enjoy a VIP experience including a picnic box thanks to Greenhalgh’s.

Music will be provided by Eagley Brass Band (13:00-14:00), Starlight Swing Orchestra (14:40-15:25), Phoenix Knights of Harmony (16:10-16:55) and Frankly Jazz (17:45-18:30).

Street theatre will include a giant Queen puppet, the High Flyers in their pedal-powered flying machine and The Tea Club, Trixie and Tilly, celebrating Britain’s passion for tea with a strolling piece of dance theatre.

Artists from the Bolton Hindu Forum will also delight the crowd with live music, dance classes and a community procession led by Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band.

Sunday, June 5

A civic procession will start at Bolton Town Hall at 2.10pm before heading to the Parish Church.