Described as Bolton’s best kept secret - a thriving art gallery and studio just off the beaten track - is throwing open its doors to visitors this weekend.

Grade II listed Falcon Mill on Handel Street off Halliwell Road boasts a vibrant community of more than 40 new and established local artists.

Today ( Friday 11th October ) and Saturday (12th October) people are invited to take an exclusive look behind the scenes and meet creatives working in art mediums ranging from paint to clay, illustration to installation and signwriting to fashion.

Visitors will be able to meet the artists at work in their studio and enjoy the wide variety of artworks on display in the exhibition spaces.

There will also be a range of affordable and one of a kind home made gifts and artwork perfect for a spot of early festive shopping.

READ MORE: Former Falcon Mill now home to artists

Falcon Mill's rich history

The event is fully accessible with a free car park and a lift operating at peak times.

The open studio weekend will launch on Friday evening with a special event featuring live music and a bar between 7pm and 10pm. On Saturday morning the Falcon Mill Artists will be hosting a MacMillan Coffee Morning with a tempting selection of home made cakes on offer from 10am, and the studios themselves will be open to the public until 3pm.

Falcon Mill Artist Studios and Gallery began in 2012 with space for just 12 artists.

Over the last few years this number has expanded rapidly and the former cotton mill is now home to more than 40 artist studios and two floors of exhibition space, with plans to grow even further in the future.

For more information and opening times for the Open Studio weekend please check out the Falcon Mill Artist Studios Facebook and Instagram pages.