10 photographs that make you proud to be from Bolton

That’s the question we are asking today in honour of The Bolton News’ 150th anniversary.

Ok, so we know our town is far from perfect and there are likely to be things you would change in a heartbeat but there is still plenty to stir up a feeling of pride. 

Even something as simple as settling down to watch Saturday night television and seeing one of the planet’s most iconic characters clutching an I Love Bolton mug, surely raises a smile?

To mark our milestone, which takes place on Sunday, here is a rundown of 10 photographs to make you proud to be from Bolton.

1. The Muppets advertisement for Warburtons

Back in 2015, the much-loved Muppets and bread makers Warburtons sent Bolton — and the internet — into a crumpet-induced frenzy.

The joy-inducing advert saw the puppet gang take part in an all singing, all dancing musical extravaganza.

Bolton, Giant Crumpets and Muppets – what’s not to love?

2. Hit show Peaky Blinders being filmed in Bolton

Ah, the grandeur of Le Mans Crescent and its olde worlde charm doubled up as that there London in hit programme Peaky Blinders.

Hollywood stars, including leading man Cillian Murphy, were spotted in the street filming scenes in March 2014.

And we all know what happened when they went under those arches and disappeared into debauched world of The Eden Club...

3. Freddie Mercury in Queens Park, 1969

Back in 1969, a little-known singer called Freddie Mercury performed at Bolton’s first open-air rock concert.

Yep, the man who went on to become a global superstar with Queen performed with another band, Ibex, in front of 500 enthusiastic teenagers.

4. Bolton Wanderers – White Hot 1: Liverpool 0 Bolton Wanderers 2 - January 13, 1993

White Hot - the picture that went down in Bolton Wanderers history.

Taken by the Bolton Evening News, it shows John McGinlay, David Lee and Andy Walker victorious after one of the club's most memorable games of all time.

5. Jason Kenny at Rio 2016 Olympics

The Farnworth Flyer absolutely smashed it on the cycle track at last summer’s Olympic Games in Rio.

And the people of Farnworth, Bolton and beyond were right behind the 28-year-old, who is the joint holder of the highest number of Olympic gold medals for any British athlete in history.

6. Ironman triathlon in Bolton

Every summer, super humans descend on Bolton to tackle a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon finishing in the town centre.

Not only does this showcase the amazing physical achievements of the competitors, but also the support of the crowds who turn out in their thousands to cheer the athletes across the finish line.

One of the world's toughest endurance races, it returns to Bolton on July 19.

7. Bolton Food and Drink Festival

Another amazing summer event Bolton can be very proud of is the wonderful annual celebration of everything food and drink.

In the past, the foodie extravaganza has played host to the likes of Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, John Torode and Gino D'Acampo.

This year, TV star Ainsley Harriott will head up the August bank holiday weekend of fabulous feasting.

8. Good Friday walk up Rivington Pike

Every Easter, Bolton families hope for ‘egg-cellent’ weather for the annual walk up Rivington Pike.

Thousands of people turn out for the tradition every year, to take in the beautiful countryside which is on our doorstep.

9. LS Lowry's Going To The Match

IT is one of the most famous paintings in the country – and it’s focussed on Bolton.

LS Lowry's 1953 painting Going To The Match shows droves of football fans heading to Burnden Park.

10. Peter Kay picks up honorary doctorate

He’s arguably the country’s finest comedian – and he’s ours.

Here is Peter Kay striking a pose while picking up a Doctorate of Arts from Salford University in July 2016.

And Peter's not the only one making us chuckle – there’s Paddy McGuinness, Dave Spikey, Stu Francis, Maxine Peake, Diane Morgan, Hylda Baker and Hovis Presley to name a few. We’re a funny bunch.

20 things you only know if you come from Bolton

On Sunday, we publish our 48-page special edition celebrating the Bolton News’ 150th anniversary.

Celebrity interviews, classic pictures, fascinating articles and even rare letters by Britain’s most famous authors – including HG Wells and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - feature in this collectors’ edition.

Pick up your copy for just £1