THE Octagon has put a call out to the people of Bolton to play a part in a new project.

It wants to hear about your experiences of 2020 and hopes for the future, as inspiration for a new project to mark the opening of the newly transformed theatre.

The theatre is inviting people to respond to eight questions.

They are: What are three words which sum up 2020 for you? What image or moment of 2020 will be the one thing that stays with you?Is there something positive that you have experienced or learnt during 2020? What are three words that sum up Bolton for you? If you could speak to Bolton, what would you say? What taste/smell/sound sums up Bolton for you? What is one thing that might surprise people about Bolton? and What are your hopes for the future?

Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham said: “Here at the Octagon we passionately believe that everyone’s story matters, and to celebrate our new building opening to the public, we’d love to hear your own words about your experiences of this truly bizarre year and also your thoughts about Bolton and your hopes for the future. We plan to share your words and your stories in a special project during the opening period of our new building. This is your theatre, and your creative home, so it feels right that the words, thoughts and ideas of the people in our community should take centre stage. We can’t wait to hear from you.”

Answers can be either a couple of words, a full sentence or a longer paragraph, there are no right or wrong answers. The Octagon would ideally like people to answer all 8 questions, but you can leave a question blank if you need to. Members of the public can submit their answers to the Octagon’s eight questions by filling an online survey at octagonbolton.co.uk/8questions by email via literary@octagonbolton.co.uk, by post at Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, BL1 1SB or by calling the box office on 07860703688 and giving your answers to a member of staff over the phone.The survey will be open for answers until Saturday 1 November.