This is Manchester awards shortlist two Bolton offerings

And now it looks like the rest of Greater Manchester is about to find out the amazing things that happen in Bolton after the borough was shortlisted in the prestigious 'This is Manchester' Awards.

Now in the fifth year, the awards celebrate giving back to the community in Greater Manchester across different sectors, including food and drink, arts and culture, fashion, and sports.

The Bolton Food and Drink Festival has been named in the Leading Live Events Award, while The Octagon Theatre was named in the Leading Arts and Culture Venue.

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, who overlooks culture in Bolton, said: “It is brilliant that they have made it to the shortlist.

“The Bolton Food and Drink Festival was amazing this year and we have to thank the organisers for putting on such a good event every year.

“The Octagon Theatre does some fantastic plays and dramas as well as other events that people clearly love and has become a hub for the community.

“I am so excited for them to have made the shortlist for their work.”

 Octagon Theatre chiefs were ‘over the moon’ to have been shortlisted.

 Chief Executive, Roddy Gauld said: "Everyone at the Octagon is over the moon to have been shortlisted for the Leading Arts and Culture Venue Award at this year's This is Manchester Awards.

“Given that Greater Manchester has a world-famous cultural offer, it's a real accolade for Bolton's theatre to have been shortlisted.

“The whole Octagon team works hard to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone and to providing lots of community opportunities as well as creating outstanding productions that gain national acclaim."

Cllr Ayub said culture offerings were essential in ensuring the future of the town.

He said: “We want it to be the heartbeat of the town, so this goes hand in hand with regeneration and it puts Bolton on the map.

“It also means Bolton is ready for business and lets people see how great the town is and what it is doing for the community and its people.

“It’s amazing to see and we are proud to see the food and drink festival and the theatre flourish.

“Hopefully we can see more Bolton places and businesses nominated for awards like this in the future.”

Another nomination in the shortlist is Ryan Bromley for his community group, Change The Youth NW.

He said: I never thought I would be nominated for an award let alone the This Is Manchester and young people of the year and even unsung hero at northwest football awards.

"I’d like to thank everyone for supporting me throughout and I aim to keep continuing what I’m doing as must be doing something right.

"I set up the charity Change The Youth Nw and started coaching at AFC Burnden Park back in 2019 at age 15 and just wanted to help young people."