Archive for the ‘Bolton’ Category

Bolton Wanderers are setting up an experimental singing section at the Reebok Stadium at for the UEFA Cup match against Athletico Madrid on February 14. Commercial Director Gareth Moores said, ‘We’ve had a large number of calls and emails from fans asking us to consider providing such an area. As a result, the club has responded by allocating the Debt Matters North Stand as a trial for this crucial European fixture. It is going to be one of the biggest games in the club’s history and having a singing section can only add to the atmosphere.’

If the move is successful the club plans to make the North Stand a dedicated singing stand from the start of the 2008/09 season.

Bolton’s Albert Halls have been named the best civic venue in the country by the Association for Public Service Excellence.

Executive member for Culture and Community Services, Councillor Ismail Ibrahim, said, ‘This award is a great achievement for the Albert Halls, especially as competition was extremely high. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff who are involved in running this quality venue. The people of Bolton are well aware of this magnificent gem in the town hall and I would urge people who live further afield to check out what we have to offer when planning an important occasion or looking for an evening of entertainment.’

Bolton born comedian Peter Kay has been chosen to appear on Michael Parkinson’s last ever chat show. Kay will join an impressive line-up that includes Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, David Beckham, and Billy Connolly. The two-hour show will be broadcast on ITV1 on December 15.

Bolton Council has announced another addition to Bolton’s Christmas lights switch-on. Pint-sized Lil’ Chris will join Orson and Ted Robbins on Victoria Square on November 18. Chris found fame on Channel 4’s Rock School, which gave a class of school children the chance to form a successful rock band under the guidance of former Kiss front man Gene Simmons. His first single Checking it Out, released last year, went to number three in the charts.

Bolton Council Leader Councillor Cliff Morris said ‘We’ve got a great line-up this year and what Lil’ Chris lacks in size I’m sure he’ll make up for in noise! It’s going to be a magical day and the Christmas lights will add a real sparkle and festive atmosphere to the town centre. We are hoping to attract a lot of people. There’ll be something for everyone and it should be a real family event.’

The show begins at 4 pm with the switch-on scheduled for 6 pm.

Award winning American rockers Orson will join Ted Robbins and Justin Moorhouse at Bolton’s Christmas lights switch-on in Victoria Square, on November 18.

The band hail from Los Angeles, California but uprooted to the UK in early 2006 when their debut single No Tomorrow went to the top of the singles chart. As well as performing hits from their new album Culture Vultures released in October, including the lead single, Ain’t No Party, fans can look forward to listening to tracks from their debut album, Bright Idea, which topped the British charts.

Bolton Council Leader, Councillor Cliff Morris, said ‘To have an international band such as this, playing in Bolton, is exciting and Orson will really help to make Bolton’s Christmas switch-on bigger and better than ever.’

Phoenix Nights star Ted Robbins (Den Perry) will switch on Bolton’s Christmas Lights on November 18. Co-star Justin Moorhouse (Young Kenny) will compere the event which starts at 6 pm on the town’s Victoria Square. Also appearing on stage will be Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion and the cast of the Albert Halls Christmas pantomime, Red Riding Hood.

Bolton Wanderers and manager Sammy Lee parted company yesterday by ‘mutual consent’ just 14 games after the former Liverpool and England midfielder took over from ‘Big’ Sam Allardyce. Lee failed to maintain the success achieved by his predecessor, winning just three of his 14 matches in charge; two of those in cup competitions and only one in the Premiership. Former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell, Chris Coleman, and Wanderers legend Phil ‘Suntan’ Brown are amongst the favourites to succeed him.

A Polish Market will be held in Bolton’s Victoria Square this week. The market will be open from Thursday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, and will offer Polish beers, sausages, and other Eastern European delicacies. The event is part of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

The award-winning Irish dance sensation, Spirit of the Dance, returns to Bolton next month as part of its 10th anniversary tour.

An international smash hit, Spirit of the Dance is one of the most successful shows ever to come out of Ireland and has been seen by more than 30 million people in 15 different countries worldwide.

The Albert Halls in Bolton will host the dance troupe for two nights only on Thursday, October 11 and Friday, October 12.

Tickets, priced £18 and £16 (concessions), are available now from the Albert Halls box office on 01204 334400.

The landlord of a popular Bolton pub is planning a protest against England’s new smoking ban on the day it comes into law. Nick Hogan of The Swan is inviting smokers to light up in his pub on July 1 and is prepared to go to court.

On July 1 2007 all enclosed public spaces and workplaces in England will become smoke free. Anybody not complying with the law will be committing a criminal offence. Individuals flouting the law will receive a fixed penalty notice of £50, while the fine for failing to prevent smoking is a maximum of £2500.