We asked several famous visitors to Bolton what their perceptions of Bolton were prior to their visit and how their views had been influenced by their time here. This is what they told us…

“Northern Industrial City which had been affected by the closure of mills and subsequent loss of work opportunities, possibly in the shadow of Manchester.

“A place which still harbours local pride and seems to have come to terms with its multicultural society better than some other towns. The Centre “dies” at 5.30pm and that lovely square outside the Town Hall is not utilised to attract more people into the town in the evenings. Why not cafes, wine bars, table, street theatre, flea markets to bring to town centre alive again?
— TESSA WORSLEY, ACTRESS

“A no-man’s land somewhere between Liverpool and Manchester.”

“A very friendly town. The people are very accommodating and the Guinness isn’t bad”.
— TONY DEVLIN, ACTOR

“Probably like Burnley or Colne.”

“Liked what I saw. Walked around the square and did some shopping, nice atmosphere, I LOVE the Reebok Stadium – it’s beautiful.
— DAVE KELLY, MUSICIAN

“No pre-conceived ideas”.

“I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bolton a number of times. It’s an exciting and diverse place with outstanding cultural assets ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts to the Wanderers”.
— LLOYD GROSSMAN, TV PRESENTER

“Cold, bleak and wet”.

“It’s been great the people have been very helpful and polite and I’m looking forward to returning”.
— ARVIND PARMER, INTERNATIONAL TENNIS PLAYER

“ I had no pre-conceived views before I started making regular visits over a 2 year period”.

“I was pleasantly surprised about the Town Centre. The Town Hall is particularly impressive lots of interesting activities in the Town Square”.
— ROGER COWELL, LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION