Five things to do in Bolton this week

Playtime in the square

CHILDREN will be in their element as the National Play Day event returns to Victoria Square on Wednesday.

The square will be transformed into a large play area, complete with obstacle courses, sandpits, colouring and craft activities, games, and various stalls.

The theme of this year's free event in Bolton is 'Fun Days Out' and celebrates children’s right to play.

Hundreds of families attend the council-sponsored event year on year, which captures both the delight of the kids keen to make the most of their summer holidays, as well as onlookers keen to be part of the fun day.

Live entertainment will be provided at the event, between 11am and 4pm, as well as performances from Taylor's Theatre Academy, Apple Dance, Bolton Dance and Performing Arts, Lady Mercury acoustic band, and more.

Commemorate bicentenary

A PUBLIC meeting will be held to mark 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, in which 17 people were killed and more than 600 were injured.

A meeting at Bolton Library on Tuesday will examine the historical involvement of Boltonians, in the fight for parliamentary reform, as well as in the commemorations.

The gathering from 7-9pm is sponsored by Bolton Trades Council.

Try and taste 120 flavours of gin

GIN fanatics will be able to taste more than 120 flavours of gins at a hit festival this weekend.

The Gin Society’s two-day extravaganza is returning to Bolton’s Albert Halls. Distillers will be sharing their skills as part of a series of master classes and taster sessions. The festival will open on Friday, 6pm-10.30pm, and Saturday from noon-4.30pm, and 6pm-10.30pm. Tickets, at £12.50, at https://theginsociety-bolton2019.eventbrite.co.uk.

Enjoy a film in the open air

MUSICAL fans are invited to an outdoor movie weekend at Bolton Arena.

There will be two films screened at the stadium this weekend.

On Saturday, visitors are invited to watch the sunny smash-hit Mamma Mia, based on the songs of Abba. Then on Sunday, the arena will be showing Bohemian Rhapsody — a celebration of Queen, their music and their lead singer Freddie Mercury.

Doors open at 7pm each night, with the films starting at about 8.30pm. For tickets, visit www.boltonarena.com.

Play tennis for free

FAMILIES looking for something to do this summer holiday need look no further.

A free tennis camp is taking place in the Worsley area, with the sessions for children aged eight and over being hosted by Salford Community Leisure.

The week-long tennis camp will be held at Parr Fold Park tennis courts, in Walkden Road, Worsley, between 1-3pm, Monday, August 5 to Friday, August 9.

Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.