Concert to thank the heroes of the Winter Hill fire

Officials at Rivington Terraced Gardens, which was saved from the horrific moorlands fire because of the work of the firefighters, put out a message on social media floating the idea of a thank you event.

At first, it was going to be a music event and barbecue but since the post exploded online, it could now include a huge stage, complete with PA system, and 35 bands have offered to play free of charge.

Andrew Suter, heritage projects manager, said: "We spent two weeks on the fire supporting the emergency services.

"A number of our volunteers said we should do something to thank all of those involved.

"Originally it was going to be a barbecue. We put it out on Facebook and it just went ridiculous.

"The response has been amazing."

CDS Events, based in Chorley, has offered to provide the stage, lighting and a PA system among other items for the music.

He said there have been a number of companies that have got in touch offering to provide food and drink as well.

It will be the first concert of this magnitude to be held on the Great Lawn in the Rivington Terraced Gardens and will take place on Saturday, September 1.

The emergency services will be invited to attend for free and everyone will be able to bring a plus one.

Tickets will then be available to the public and proceeds will go to charity.

Mr Suter believes there could be about 2,000 people attending.

He said: "If the firefighters had not been there then we would have lost the gardens and there is a lot of stuff in there that is irreplaceable.

"The response from the public has been overwhelming. It has been incredible."

Staff from the Gardens, which is currently the subject of a £4.2million restoration project, were forced to cut down 300 trees on the Belmont Road side of the site after the burning peat underground destroyed the roots.

The area remains closed to members of the public as firefighters continue to monitor the remaining hotspots across the moors.