BOLTON Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a packed programme of events for all ages.

music ranges from Bolton's own version of Pop Idol to the Festival Choir and Orchestra.

Theatre, dance, comedy and film will also be featured in the festival which runs from August 20 to August 30.

And among other special events is the chance to solve a mediaeval murder mystery.

Committee chairman Elizabeth Tatman said the festival offered "an interesting and accessible programme for people who want to have fun during August."

New this year is a literary dinner on August 26 at Ridgmont House, Horwich.

Local author Janette Jenkins, writer of the critically acclaimed novels Another Elvis Love Child and Columbus Day, will be the guest speaker.

A new musical comedy, Tripe, by Roger Spencer runs at Bolton Little Theatre from August 23 to 28.

The same team that brought the hugely successful Wakes! to BLT are again in charge.

On August 22, at the Albert Halls, Bolton Arts Forum Performance Showcase features the best of the performing arts in the town.

And a taste of Hollywood is coming to town. The Hollywood Premiere Evening on August 28 at the Phoenix, Bark Street, features a celebration of music, singing, theatre, dance and films.

Comedy will be represented by the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club who present Stand Up Bolton at the Festival Hall on August 27.

There's plenty for contemporary music fans including, Off the Wall, a tribute to Pink Floyd on August 20 at the Albert Halls.

On August 29, the Bolton Pop Stars Showcase, also at the Albert Halls, is the town's own version of TV's Pop Idol and Fame Academy for those aged 11 to 17. It is staged in conjunction with APA Experience and the Bolton Evening News.

For classical music lovers, the Festival Choir and Orchestra's appear at Bolton Parish Church on August 21 when John Powell will conduct the Magnificat by Bach and Hadyn's Nelson Mass.

There will also be lunchtime concerts featuring, among others, 12-year-old pianist Ben Smith, while classical guitarist Neil Smith plays at Smithills Hall on August 25.

Classic films will be shown at Bolton School Arts Centre and the popular Festival Marquee in Victoria Square will feature a variety of activities, including a Day of Dance.

Organised walks in different parts of the borough will be on offer, led by Halliwell Local History Society members. Special events include History Comes Alive at Hall i' th' Wood and Medieval Living History Days at Smithills Hall which includes your chance to sole a medieval murder mystery.

There are chances to visit Bolton Magistrates Court, the Aquarium and Fire Station and Bolton Steam Museum.

And there are plenty of activities for young people, including a scavenger hunt and a children's sunflower competition is being organised. Examples of youngsters' sculpture and painting will be seen throughout the festival.

On the final day of the festival on August 30, a charity street market in Le Mans Crescent should again attract the crowds.

A compact brochure detailing all the events is now available from the Albert Halls and the Information Centre at the Central Library.