Lights, camera, Bolton!

Dates have now been released for the eagerly anticipated Bolton's TV and Walking tours, which were announced earlier this month - giving film and TV buffs a chance to walk in the footsteps of Thomas Shelby, Sgt Catherine Cawood, and even Rocky Balboa.

Bolton has become a go-to location to film prime-time TV drama and blockbuster films for a number of years now.

Now given its reputation as ‘Hollywood of the North’ it has launched the tours to celebrate its Town of Culture status.

Bolton was named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2024.

(Image: BBC)

To mark this,  Bolton has run a variety of entertaining arts and culture events around the town, including an arts trail and children’s summer programme.

The TV and film location tours will launch on August 30 and run until October 4.

Film fans will be taken around key filming spots in Bolton whilst a knowledgeable tour guide provides a fascinating insight into where all the hit shows and films have been shot.

The 90-minute tours are suitable for ages 16 and over.

They are free of charge and are limited to 20 places per tour - and must be booked in advanced.

Leading the tours is local historian and professional tour guide, Suzanne Hindle.

She said: “The tour offers unique access to areas usually inaccessible to the public, uncovering film location smoke and mirrors with opportunity to get your TV and film buff thrill as you tread in the footsteps of Thomas Shelby, Alma Nuttall, Sgt Catherine Cawood, and even Rocky Balboa.” 

The behind-the-scenes tour will feature the town’s famous filming spots that include Le Mans Crescent and the Magistrates’ Court, thanks to their step-back-in-time architecture and scenery.

These locations as well as other spots around Bolton have been used by the TV and film industry in productions such as Peaky Blinders, A Gentleman in Moscow, Spring and Port Wine, Happy Valley, It’s a Sin, Coronation Street, Alma's Not Normal, Ridley, and Phoenix Nights.

READ MORE: The week Peaky Blinders cast and crew were in Bolton for the filming of the final series

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During the tour, visitors will get to explore the court room, cells and Crescent corridors whilst hearing tales of how the industry adapt locations to set the scene.

Executive Cabinet Member of Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said: “When thinking up special events and offerings to link to our recent Greater Manchester Town of Culture award, it was a perfect opportunity to lean into our reputation as the Hollywood of the North.

“With our recently earned status, thanks to numerous high-profile production companies choosing Bolton as one of their key filming spots, we’re so excited to offer these tours to further educate and draw attention to the impact Bolton really does have on the arts and culture industry.

It's a Sin filmingIt's a Sin filming (Image: NQ)

“So many shows and films have been set here, with Bolton’s streets, town centre, and the famous Le Mans Crescent appearing in world-famous productions.

“These tours will provide further insight and fascinating facts about Bolton’s filming links, that also tie in with the town’s historical and cultural heritage, further helping to shout out about the town’s many assets.”

The Bolton TV & Film Tours dates are as follows:

  • Friday 30th August 1:30 pm
  • Friday 13th September 11am and 1:30 pm
  • Thursday 19th September 11am and 1:30 pm 
  • Friday 27th September 11am and 1:30pm  
  • Saturday 28th September 11am
  • Thursday 3rd October 6:30pm
  • Friday 4th October 1:30pm (Wheelchair accessible)

(Image: NQ)

Tours are suitable for ages 16+ and last approximately 90 minutes.

Tours will begin from the Bolton Museum Shop, Bolton Library and Museum, Le Mans Crescent, BL1 1SE.

Spots are free, but booking is required, with each tour having a limit of 20 places.

You can book your spot through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/on-location-bolton-tv-film-tours-3578299

Recent hit dramas include Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story with scenes in BBC hit drama Sherwood, set to air later this month, also filmed in Bolton.