A NEW all-day musical festival in Bolton could become an annual event.

Made in Manchester, which comes to Bolton Arena next Saturday, will see leading tribute bands and rising stars from the Bolton music scene appearing together on the same stage.

Rob Brierley of organisers Pitch Productions said: "Everything is coming together really well and we are already in discussions about bringing it back next year."

With live music from 2pm until a 10.30pm curfew, Made in Manchester will feature four top tribute acts - Resurrection Stone Roses, the Oasis Experience, These Smiths and Happy Mondaze - recreating the sounds that created a musical movement in the city.

Sharing the stage will be Bolton's very own Jade Assembly and Our Fold plus Wigan rockers the Stanleys. There will also be DJ sets from Dave Sweetmore and Sophie Sveinsson.

"We have done events at cricket clubs in the past," said Rob, "and now we are stepping things up. This will be our biggest line-up yet and we are hoping to create something really special."

Alongside the live bands there will be a number of activities for children, a gin bar with a selection of 80 different gins on offer plus a fire engine bar offering craft ales. There will also be a food village to keep festivalgoers going through the day.

"With all our events we like to assist a local charity and for Made in Manchester we will be supporting the Lagans Foundation, which provides support for families with children who have complex needs," said Rob.

The festival will also help raise funds for grassroots sport at USN Bolton Arena.

"It promises to be a great event," said Rob. "Families can come along and children can hear some of the music which their parents grew up with. We're also giving talented local bands the opportunity to perform on an outdoor stage. It will be a great atmosphere."

With annual tribute festival Boltfest not being held this year, Rob is hoping that music fans who enjoyed that event will come along to Made in Manchester. "We have some great tribute bands playing music which so many people have enjoyed over the years," he said. "Tickets are selling quickly and I would urge anyone who is thinking of coming along to get their's now."

For more details visit www.pitchproductions.co.uk