Last Wednesday, the Albert Halls hosted a showcase for Bolton bands.

On behalf of the Bolton music Collective, I would just like to thank Paul Dean, Music Development Officer for the Council, who organised this fantastic night and to congratulate the bands for their performances.

These acts are just the tip of the iceberg and there are many groups currently practising in garages and rehearsal studios around the town. Sadly, opportunities for local bands to display their talents are all too rare in Bolton. There are local pubs like The Farmers Arms, The Alma and The Lamb, that host live bands to good attendances on a regular basis, but these are too few and far between. Many promising groups either give up frustrated at the lack of places to play, or leave town to become "Manchester" artists like Badly Drawn Boy.

The fact that talent is allowed to go to waste instead of being nurtured and supported is a sad indictment of Bolton cultural life. Just up the road, the far smaller town of Wigan is host to at least two town centre gigs a week, and holds an annual festival of local acts at Haigh Hall. Surely Bolton folk must feel a twinge of embarrassment at this situation? Shouldn't a town of Bolton's size, with a newly designated university and five different musical instrument shops, be able to support a decent live music scene? Maybe even boast a dedicated live music venue? Anyone wandering down Bradshawgate can see the growing number of boarded up or struggling pubs/bars, the result of too many unadventurous landlords chasing the same slice of the nightlife economy. Would it be too outlandish to hope that the next entrepreneur looking to invest in a bar in Bolton considers catering for a different audience? Just think, you may actually see a return on your money, and you won't have to "re-brand" in 12 months time!

Anyone who is ashamed of this situation and wants to try to change things for the better, or anyone wishing to promote or discuss local musical events, can find the Bolton Music Collective at www.boltonmusic.co.uk www.boltonmusic.co.uk or e-mail info@boltonmusic.co.uk For those without internet access there are monthly meetings at the Dog and Partridge at the bottom of Bank Street, with the next meeting being held on the Wednesday 1st of September, and subsequent meetings on the first Wednesday of each month.

Mark Boardman

Chorley Old Road

Bolton