DANCING, food and plenty of celebrations were on the order of service at Bolton Irish Centre as a month of events to mark their twentieth anniversary came to an end.

A dinner dance saw over sixty people from Bolton's Irish community gather together on Friday, November 29, in a climax which also paid tribute to some of the people who helped set up the centre two decades ago.

Liam Hanley, a committee member at the centre, said: "It was a fitting way to end an action-packed month. People really enjoyed it and I think they were just pleased that we had the time to honour the people who without, we wouldn't be here.

"People reflected on the fact that a lot of hard work went into the place. Hopefully, if it's done nothing else, it's reminding people that it's still going."

A scroll of honour was also unveiled in the building, to commemorate the men and women of the Bolton Irish community who had helped build and sustain the centre over the years.

This was in addition to photo mural put up for the night, which included pictures and newspaper clippings.

Events throughout November included a performance of 'Rebel and Friends' at the centre in October and November. Hosted by Lynx Theatre and Poetry, the play featured the story of Irish sisters Constance Markievicz (the first female MP elected to the House of Commons in 1918) and Eva Gore-Booth.

Other events throughout the month included a performance by a Leeds-based folk group called Rum Doodle.

The centre is now hoping that the month of celebrations will kickstart a new generation from Bolton to embrace their Irish roots and help the centre to thrive and grow.

Mr Hanley added: "The centre is a place where anyone with a love of Irish music, dance, sport, history and culture is always welcome. The club also hosts pool, darts and dominoes matches, so come down to Lever Street and give it a try."

For more information about Bolton Irish Centre and what events it runs, visit their social media page on Facebook, call the centre itself on 01204 522632. Mr Hanley can also be contacted on liamthanley@hotmail.com.