The Balmoral: Bolton pub celebrating Christmas in July

July might seem like a strange time to celebrate Christmas but The Balmoral manager, Danny Loynd, hopes it can bring the community together.

After proving to be a hit for two years when Danny worked at The Griffin, he decided to carry on the Christmas tradition at the Bradshawgate pub. 

He said: “It’s just something different to what everyone else is doing.

“I thought it would be nice to bring everybody together and have a really big Christmas party.

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Manager Danny Loynd (Image: Newsquest)

“We will be getting all the decorations down, including a Christmas tree and we will have a free buffet, festive singers, and a disco.

“We want everyone in their Christmas attire because all the staff will be dressed up too.

“When we did it at The Griffin it was really busy, and people enjoyed it.

“Everybody is happy at Christmas so it will be nice to see everyone smiling.”

Danny says that it is also a way to bring business to the pub, as well as bringing people in who may be isolated.

He added: “It has been hard, and some days have been really quiet.

“But we are one of the cheapest bars in town.

“People can come in The Balmoral with £20 and have such a brilliant night.

“There are people who are struggling and might not see people as much.

“It’s about encouraging friends and family to meet up more than they might do because not everyone is here forever.

“We are hoping it will feel like Christmas.”

Father Christmas will also make an appearance and rock around the Christmas tree pouring out tipples of everyone’s favourite drinks.

Danny says that the pub has not always had the best reputation but, since the Craft Union took over, it has been transformed.

He said: “It’s a lot more welcoming and everybody is really tight together.

“We want to show what the company is all about, which is all about the community.

“There is no trouble now and everyone is really friendly.

“They are all unique individuals in here and some have loud personalities, but that’s what makes the pub what it is, and they love joining in community stuff.”

The adults-only festivities will be taking place all day on Saturday July 29, with no need to pre book.

Christmas songs will be playing from the moment the doors open, and live singers will be on from 3pm.

Customers will just be asked to pay for drinks, with lots of deals expected to be on offer.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.