FROM an enchanting outdoor show to a free festival ­— the Octagon Theatre is staging a fun packed summer for all the family.

Reynard the Fox, who prides himself of being the trickster of the forest, is being brought to the town by performance company The Fabularium, with storytelling, puppets and original live music.

The show runs from Tuesday, August 3, to August 8.

The Octagon Family Festival will roll into town to take place alongside Bolton’s Food and Drink Festival over the August bank holiday ­— August 27 to 29.

People are invited to pop on their dancing shoes and strut some serious moves at the Boogie Wonderland Family Disco in the Octagon’s Studio space, which will include a dance artist to teach participants all the steps to dance along to. And apparently dad dancing is welcomed and positively encouraged.

Audiences young and old can enjoy Never Smile at a Crocodile, with interactive storytelling sessions told by a professional actor taking place in the main auditorium, with crocodile themed crafts.

There will also be a dedicated Sanctuary Space where families can unwind and get creative with a hive of fun and creative crafts to enjoy, face painting as well as an array of sensory activities.

All activities at the festival are free but must be booked in advance. Free wristbands can be booked now via the website or by calling the Box Office.

Imogen Woolrich, the venue's creative head, said: “We are incredibly excited to have a family programme to help keep families entertained this summer.

"The Fabularium will be a fantastic opportunity for us to go out to communities in Bolton and meet lots of new faces. Reynard the Fox is a really high energy show filled with lots of enchanting characters."

“The Family Festival is a culmination of the last six months working with local families in Bolton to put on a programme of fun, interactive and engaging activities for all ages to enjoy that will also give families the chance to see our brand new building and we cannot wait to welcome you all later this summer.”

Tickets for The Tale of Reynard the Fox and wristbands for the Octagon Family Festival can be booked via the Octagon’s website octagonbolton.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01204 520 661. The venue continues to offer flexible exchanges.

Tickets for Reynard the Fox are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for children, under 16. Babies under 18 months get free admission but a free ticket must be booked in advance.

Performance locations include: Atherton Laburnum Rovers FC on August 3, Bradshaw Cricket Club, August 4,, St James High School,August 5 and 6 and Barrow Bridge Field on August 7 and 8.