THERE is always loads going on around the region.

Here are our five top things to do or visit this week:

An Early taste of the weekend

11am-7pm Friday, Victoria Square, Bolton-

While the bulk of the action at this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival will happen over the weekend, you can get an early start after the launch on Friday.

The first events include a demonstration from famous chef Michael Caines, a gala dinner and family shows of the play Stone Soup at the Albert Halls, from the Little Diamond Theatre Company.

Get to Bolton Market by 11am for the first demonstration of a weekend that will include Nadiya Hussain, Ainsley Harriott and James Martin, alongside a range of events.

Library's special summer cinema

2pm, Wednesday, Bolton Library, Le Mans Crescent-

Catch a special family showing of the film 'Ponyo' put on by Bolton Library.

A goldfish princess longs to be more human and travels to the surface to have a big adventure.

This event is free to attend, with light refreshments on sale at the library, although under-12s must be accompanied by an adult.

Become a bug hunter

11am and 1pm, Smithills Hall Museum, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton-

Have your children ever wanted to be explorers?

Come along to this free event to hunt down and examine some insects with the help of an expert.

To book a place on this event for your children search ‘Bug Hunt at Smithills Hall’ on Eventbrite or call 01204 332853.

Keep the gin flowing

The Spinning Mule, Nelson Square, Bolton, and The Robert Shaw, Market Street, Westhoughton-

Don’t worry if you missed out last week, you can still join in on the gin with this festival which continues at two Bolton pubs throughout the week.

Gin lovers have the chance to enjoy a selection of 15 gins from around the world, with some selections coming from Japan, Portugal, Spain, Germany and Italy, as well as a few bottles from the UK.

The festival started last Friday, but will continue for 11 days, ending next Tuesday.

Mouse at the museum

Until 5pm, Every day, Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent-

Come and see the ‘Animals and Us’ exhibition at the Bolton Museum - with a tiny mouse as star of the show.

Leopold, the inquisitive mouse, has been designed by Chorlton illustrator Anna Violet.

He guides visitors through the exhibition, showing them how all animals – from insects to elephants – are an important part of our everyday lives.