Memories from his hometown have long been the opening line to many a well-loved Peter Kay joke whenever the Bolton comic delved into times past for material.

So in that spirit, who remembers when stars from his most enduring creation, cult sitcom Phoenix Nights, came to the Life Bar on Nelson Square to celebrate after a joint standup gig nearly 20 years ago?

The Bolton News: Paddy and company celebrating at the Nelson Square barPaddy and company celebrating at the Nelson Square bar (Image: Karen Donnelly)

Phoenix Nights stars captured in one after party photo include Steve Edge, better known as Alan, Les Alanos, Janice Connolly, Holy Mary as fans will know her, Archie Kelly, better known as Kenny Senior and of course Paddy McGuinness then known by his alter ego as Paddy the Doorman.

The Bolton News: Looks like a memorable night!Looks like a memorable night! (Image: Karen Donnelly)

They had come to the Bolton venue on Tuesday April 27 2004 to celebrate their success with the “Jumping on the Bandwagon” tour, compered by Paddy himself at The Albert Halls, which aimed to capitalise on the success Phoenix Nights had brought them.

The Bolton News: Can this really be nearly 20 years ago?Can this really be nearly 20 years ago? (Image: Karen Donnelly)

Luckily photographer Karen Donnelly was on hand to capture the evening's entertainment for the Bolton Evening News, as we were known back then, as stars and fans mingled in the aftermath of the show.

READ MORE: 97 photos of clubbers out and about in Bolton in the early 2000s

The Bolton News: The night Phoenix Nights stars partied in BoltonThe night Phoenix Nights stars partied in Bolton (Image: Karen Donnelly)

With Phoenix Nights repeats a rarity these days (anyone still got a DVD player?) what better way to celebrate the iconic comedy’s legacy then looking back on its stars celebrating in the very town that inspired it?