Saiqa Chaudhari

A roundup of five Bolton events includes a family musical adaptation of The Jungle Book at Victoria Hall, the climate-focused drama The Trials at the Octagon Theatre, an artisan market at Heaton Fold Garden Centre, a free birds-of-prey talk at Bolton Library and Museum, and the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. The festival’s programme includes celebrity chef James Martin, artisan stalls, live music from Liberty X and The Real Thing, and family activities.

Police and Bolton Council security staff attended Hall i' th' Wood Museum after an alarm was triggered and reports emerged of a suspected break-in and vandalism. A fire extinguisher was allegedly thrown, damaging historic stone mullion windows, while nearby residents reported seeing youths in the area. The Grade I-listed Tudor building has suffered previous vandalism and structural problems, including timber decay, damp and rot, and has been closed since 2021. A multi-million-pound bid is seeking to restore the site, which is historically associated with Samuel Compton's invention of the spinning mule and Bolton's industrial heritage.

Sir Ian McKellen is returning as Magneto in the newly released trailer for Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, which features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom confronting heroes including Thor and Captain America. The film, a sequel to Avengers: Endgame and the 39th Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, brings together characters from the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Wakandans and New Avengers, and is due in cinemas on December 18. McKellen will also play Jacob Marley opposite Johnny Depp in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol and appear with Judi Dench in Tea With Judi Dench, where he discusses stage fright, his sexuality, campaigning against Section 28 and regrets about not coming out to his parents.

Greater Manchester Police seized a newly purchased motorcycle in Darcy Lever after complaints about antisocial riding. Officers found that the bike was uninsured and had no registration plate displayed, reported the rider for the offences, and said the motorcycle could be returned to auction.

The swim section of IRONMAN Leeds has been cancelled after testing found blue-green algae levels in Waterloo Lake well above the safe threshold for open-water swimming. The decision, made by IRONMAN with Leeds City Council and following UK Health Security Agency guidance, also cancels the scheduled swim practice. The event will proceed on Sunday as a bike-run race, featuring a 112-mile bike leg followed by a 26.2-mile marathon, with a rolling time-trial start from 7 a.m.

The UK Government issued an emergency mobile-phone alert to residents in England and Wales warning of a very high wildfire risk amid hot, dry weather. People were told not to use disposable barbecues, fire pits, campfires, garden incinerators or fireworks, and to report fires immediately to 999. First Secretary of State Louise Haigh described it as the most extensive use of the emergency alert system during an active incident, while Communities Secretary Angela Rayner promised support for affected communities and announced plans for a summit on future wildfire response. The government also said 100 additional military personnel would be deployed in major incident areas.

The proportion of A-level entries receiving an A or A* in Bolton fell from 23.8% in 2025 to 20.6% in 2026, placing the borough 194th out of 291 English local authorities. This contrasted with a third consecutive national rise in top grades, which Ofqual attributed largely to the growing popularity of mathematics and strong performance in the subject. Guildford recorded the highest share at 50%, while Harlow had the lowest at 7%. Boys continued to outperform girls in top-grade attainment and represented 63% of mathematics entries.

Bolton residents whose bins were missed are being asked to leave them out for collection within about 48 hours. Bolton Council says unavoidable operational issues disrupted some collection rounds, including streets being missed and bin lorries being unable to access certain areas. The council is also providing weekend collections and has identified blocked access, roadworks, skips, icy conditions and late placement of bins as common causes, although the latest disruptions do not appear to have resulted from those factors.

Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond was convicted of two speeding offences in Herefordshire after being recorded driving his Porsche at 68mph in a 50mph zone and his Bentley at 82mph in a 70mph zone within three weeks. Police eventually traced him to his £2 million home after correspondence sent to two other properties was returned. Hammond pleaded guilty to the speeding charges and was ordered to pay £1,771 and receive seven penalty points; additional charges over failing to identify the driver were withdrawn.

Omar Majed, 19, appeared by video link at Birmingham Crown Court after being charged with communicating false information to police over an alleged bomb hoax that led to the evacuation and cancellation of Peter Kay’s show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on May 1. Nothing suspicious was found. Majed has not yet been arraigned because psychiatric reports are required, and he will remain in custody until a pre-trial review on September 30; a trial had previously been scheduled for November 3.

A 2017 Benjamin Bunny 50p coin is listed on eBay for £2,046.70, despite the Royal Mint selling a Brilliant Uncirculated version for £8. The coin was designed by Emma Noble, features Elizabeth II’s portrait by Jody Clark, and is part of the 15-coin Beatrix Potter collection. Although Benjamin Bunny is the most common coin in the set, with 25 million in circulation, collector demand and secondary-market pricing can produce substantial differences in value.

Bolton Museum is presenting “Unpacked: From the Stores,” an exhibition featuring objects that have spent years in storage. Museum staff, volunteers, and community partners selected the artefacts and are sharing the stories behind them, while visitors are invited to discuss which objects made the strongest impression and why.

Bolton Wanderers will host a free open training session followed by a player signing event for supporters. First-team training will take place from 11:00 a.m. to approximately 12:15 p.m., with the signing session running in the club shop from 1:30 p.m. Supporters do not need tickets, but may bring only one item to be signed, and the queue closes at 2:30 p.m. The League One play-off trophy will also be available for photographs as the club prepares for its return to the Championship.

Residents in Bolton South are invited to attend a Police and Communities Together meeting on 20 August at Springfield Gardens Community Centre in Kearsley. The area’s Chief Inspector, Area Sergeant and Community Safety Officers will hear concerns, provide updates on policing priorities and answer questions about community safety.

Visitors to Bolton’s moorlands risk fines of up to £1,000 for using barbecues, campfires, sky lanterns or fireworks under a Public Spaces Protection Order. Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police are increasing awareness and enforcement amid ongoing fires at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw, while neighbouring councils consult on renewing similar orders. Officials highlighted the devastating 2018 Winter Hill fire and urged visitors to avoid activities that could ignite wildfires. A guided walk will examine that fire’s origins and lasting impact on Smithills Moor.

A guide to five Bolton-area events taking place during the week, including the free Octagon Family Festival, outdoor performances of Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet at Smithills Hall, Dinosaur Adventure Live at Albert Halls, The Circus Runaways at Elizabeth Park, and a Christmas in July celebration at The Balmoral. The activities span family entertainment, theatre, circus skills, live music and festive celebrations.

The BBC One programme Fake or Fortune? authenticated a portrait inherited by retired accountant Mary-Louise Wedderburn as an 18th-century work by Scottish artist Katherine Read. Estimated at more than £100,000, the painting is believed to be the earliest recorded portrait of an Indian sitter by a European female artist. Experts examined family archives, letters and wills to establish Read’s authorship and connection to India, including her travels to Madras and possible links to the Nawabs of Arcot and Mughal rulers. The discovery is expected to significantly enhance Read’s reputation and may prompt the emergence of other works by the previously overlooked artist.

Children aged five to fifteen in Bolton and across Greater Manchester will receive free bus travel throughout August under the government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, with the Bee Network participating fully. Sixteen-year-olds can activate their Our Pass one month earlier, providing an extra month of free bus and discounted tram travel. Transport for Greater Manchester says the initiative will help families with summer travel costs and ensure all young people benefit. The scheme requires no registration, and additional support for Our Pass applications is available via the Bee Network.

Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston discuss the themes of technology, ageing and loneliness explored in the new BBC One sitcom Ann Droid, which imagines a near-future where care robots assist elderly people. Morgan describes the inspiration behind creating the series and the challenges of portraying a robot, while Johnston reflects on independence in old age and the emotional realism of forming attachments to artificial companions. The show features humour grounded in relatable issues and highlights the experiences of older adults navigating loss and change.

Union members in Bolton warn of severe school underfunding, citing major budget reductions, staff shortages, and deteriorating facilities. Campaigners urge local MPs to pledge support for reversing education cuts, stressing growing concerns from parents and pupils over class sizes, lost SEND support, and ongoing academisation pressures. NEU representatives call for full restoration of funding to protect educational standards and secure adequate resources for schools across the borough.

The Royal Mint has released two special‑edition 50p coins inspired by Game of Thrones, marking 15 years of the series. Created with Warner Bros Discovery, the collection highlights the show’s ice‑and‑fire theme and will be available to order beginning Wednesday, with delivery expected in autumn 2026. Prices range from £15 for uncirculated coins to £2,420 for a gold version, with officials describing the pieces as a tribute to the enduring popularity of the franchise.

A Bolton woman urges people in their 50s to complete NHS bowel screening kits after her own test, taken without symptoms, led to an early cancer diagnosis. NHS leaders warn that participation among newly eligible people in their early 50s remains low despite the expansion of the screening programme, which now sends out 8.7 million kits annually. Health officials and charity leaders stress that early detection significantly improves outcomes and encourage prompt completion and return of the home testing kits.

An £8.2 million expansion of The Orchards Federation in Bolton has increased capacity, added new facilities, and supported growing demand for SEND provision. The project included new and refurbished buildings, an Early Years unit, and improved sports areas, contributing to Bolton Council’s wider strategy to enhance inclusive education. School and council leaders praised the expansion’s benefits for pupils and the community, while construction firm Seddon highlighted its local economic impact, training opportunities, and community contributions.

Laura Donnelly describes being drawn to the crime series The Dark for its emphasis on story over violence and its focus on missing male victims. She highlights the appeal of portraying a detective whose motherhood does not constrain her work. Co‑star Mark Rowley discusses consulting a Highlands detective to inform his role, noting the challenges social media poses to real investigations. The series, adapted from G R Halliday’s novel From the Shadows, airs on ITV.

A graduation ceremony in Bolton celebrated 19 young people who completed supported internships that provided year‑long work experience with employers including Asda, Amazon and Greene King. Delivered in partnership with Bolton Council and several local colleges, the programme aims to improve employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs, with more than half of this year’s interns already securing jobs. Local officials and past graduates praised the programme’s impact and encouraged future participation, with information sessions and applications available through Bolton Council’s Local Offer website.

A by-election for the Rumworth ward in Bolton will be held on July 30, triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Abdul Atcha. The outcome may affect the balance of power on the council, where Labour currently holds a minority administration. Seven candidates from multiple parties and independents are standing, and the vote will take place alongside the Greater Manchester mayoral election.

The M6 in Lancashire is closed in both directions between junctions 27 and 28 due to a police-led incident involving a safety concern. Lancashire Police and National Highways are managing the response, and extensive diversion routes have been put in place for northbound and southbound traffic. Motorists are advised to allow extra time, seek alternative routes, and monitor official channels for updates.

A roundup of cultural and entertainment events in Bolton includes the return of the Artisan Street Fayre, a supernatural theatre production at the Octagon, the opening of Bolton Museum’s UNPACKED exhibition, guided heritage walks for residents over 50, and the Bolton Comedy Festival featuring prominent comedians and historic comedy tours.

Peter Kay returned to Bolton for the first of four sold‑out charity shows at the Albert Halls, performing a locally focused set exclusive to Bolton residents and in support of Bolton Hospice. Fans described the homecoming performance as nostalgic, distinctive from his current tour material, and among his best, with references to local culture and venues. His previous appearances at the theatre and past charity events were also highlighted.

Bolton-born actor Ruth Madeley traces her ancestry in the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are?, uncovering long-hidden family secrets including the discovery that her grandmother was adopted. Genealogical research links her lineage to Lucy Wilson and Charles Frost, prompting a deeper investigation into generations shaped by hardship, workhouse births and complicated family ties. Additional revelations arise when Madeley’s father recognizes a connection to a woman central to the story, raising new questions about the adoption that shaped their family history.

TV presenter and architect George Clarke visited a Bolton family to highlight the long-term benefits of solar panels, using Mark and Amanda Haslam’s experience to demonstrate cost savings and reliability even in less sunny regions. The visit forms part of ScottishPower’s Great Green Challenge, aimed at dispelling myths about green technologies and encouraging wider adoption as research shows many people remain uncertain despite growing interest in sustainable living.

Overnight roadworks on the M6 southbound between junctions 21A and 21 overran, resulting in severe congestion of around six miles and delays exceeding two hours. National Highways began removing lane closures, and all lanes later reopened, with traffic expected to improve. Drivers were advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes.

A Bolton mother, Lyndsey Kelly, transformed her lifestyle by adopting early-morning cardio, disciplined weight training and a strict meal plan, leading to a weight loss of nearly five stone and success in bodybuilding competitions. After working with a coach, she shifted from unhealthy habits to structured training and nutrition, ultimately placing second in the NABBA North West finals. She now shares her fitness journey online and encourages others to commit to consistent routines and trust the process.

The RSPCA urges dog owners not to leave pets in vehicles during a heatwave, warning of rapid overheating and heat stroke. Guidance advises checking the dog, contacting police if the animal is distressed, and cooling the dog as quickly as possible. Police may lawfully break into vehicles to rescue animals, and bystanders intending to intervene should notify authorities. Cooling an overheating dog with water and shade is emphasised before transporting it to a veterinarian.

A 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p coin from the Royal Mint’s Beatrix Potter series has been listed on eBay for more than £5,000, drawing interest from collectors due to its nostalgic appeal and distinctive design. The coin features artwork by Emma Noble and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark. While some rare versions can command high prices, experts advise buyers to rely on recent sale data and professional appraisals, noting that many Beatrix Potter coins were minted in large quantities and hold modest value.

A Grade II-listed former Wesleyan Methodist Church converted into a two‑bedroom home in Edgworth is on sale for £290,000. The property features period elements such as vaulted ceilings alongside modern amenities, including an updated kitchen and a four‑piece bathroom. It includes off‑road parking, a patio area and proximity to the village centre and surrounding countryside. The home is being marketed by Cardwells with details available on Zoopla.