MORE than 1,500 people enjoyed a free family festival to celebrate Bolton's rich cultural diversity.

The Octagon Theatre's Switch project held the Diversity Festival in Queens Park, to bring young people from different backgrounds together through creativity.

There were performances and live music on two stages, a big screen showing community films, storytelling workshops, arts, crafts, food, fashion, sports activities and a parade featuring puppetry and pyrotechnics.

Roddy Gauld, chief executive of the Octagon Theatre, said: “The day showed many of the values of the Octagon — a very creative and inclusive event giving people the chance to be involved, enjoy and express themselves.

“The Switch Project has been running for three years and has made a massive difference to lives of many young people.”