ORGANISERS of Bolton Show were determined that the show must go on, despite bad weather which saw the event cancelled for the first time in its 30-year history.

Several of the activities planned for the two-day event at Leverhulme Park were moved to Victoria Square, in Bolton town centre, in an attempt to offer shoppers and visitors some light entertainment.

Rain once again caused havoc, delaying Saturday's start for more than an hour.

But, as the performers braved the intermittent downpours and set up camp, the sun gradually emerged and shone for the rest of the afternoon.

The Ambassadors of Borrowash Showband lifted people's spirits with musical entertainment from the town hall steps.

Children enjoyed a live Punch and Judy show and had the opportunity to try out skills at a circus workshop.

Youngsters were entertained as they attempted to balance on unicycle, keep hula-hoops going round their waists and spin plates in the air.

Mark Saunders, of Bolton, who brought his two daughters, said: "My six-year-old will have a go at anything so this is right up her street. It's great for kids to have the chance to try something different."

Clowns and giant inflatable cartoon characters wandered through the square, mingling with shoppers.

One of the biggest attractions was the Impact Falconry static birds of prey demonstration, which was constantly surrounded by intrigued youngsters and adults alike.

Saturday night's spectacular fireworks display, which was held at the original Leverhulme Park site, attracted a crowd of more than 4,000 people.

The 15-minute display, which was set to music, wowed crowds with explosions of colour which lit up the sky.

The dog show, which was relocated to Tonge Park, enjoyed a record attendance on both the Saturday and Sunday, despite the 11th-hour cancellation.

Hundreds of pets from across the region entered the contest, and the weather stayed bright despite initial fears of rain.

Jean Grundy, of Bolton, said: "I think the activities are good. They had to do something and nobody can predict the weather."

Event co-ordinator Annie Ingram said: "The whole weekend has been very relaxed and enjoyable.

"There was slight rain on Saturday, but the weather brightened up and stayed fine for the rest of the weekend.

"The falconry and circus skills have proved particularly popular and shoppers in the town centre have been entertained by the whole event. Everyone had a lovely time."