THIS year's Bolton Festival attracted tens of thousands of people during its 10 day run.

The event, which took in 17 venues around the town and included more than 40 events, raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Old favourites including the Victorian Street Fair attracted more people this time around than in recent years.

Bolton Little Theatre traditionally stages a production to run almost the entirety of the festival and this year Wakes! marked a first. It was a world premiere penned by local writer Roger Spencer.

The theatre enjoyed an unprecedented success -- selling out with almost a week to go. Demand was so high that the company had to operate a waiting list.

Another feature of this year's festival was the number of free family days out. The Tudor Day and Medieval Living Histories events attracted massive crowds of all ages, while tours around the Moor Lane Fire Station in Bolton and the town's aquarium were sell outs before the festival week began.

New faces to the festival included the acclaimed Kate Rusby Trio, while the more familiar -- Horwich's own renowned classical guitarist Neil Smith and The Bolton Festival Chorus and Orchestra -- once again attracted an enthusiastic response.

Elizabeth Tatman, chairman of the Bolton Festival, said: "I feel that we have offered a wide variety of things to attract different people. We have had a number of successes.

"The Medieval Living Histories Day at Smithills for example was absolutely fantastic and attracted 1,000 people on just the Sunday.

"Although the committee runs the festival, we have done it in partnership with other organisations such as the museum, art gallery, historic houses and community groups. This means the festival really does belong to the people of Bolton.

"We have succeeded in doing lots of things this year on limited resources.

"I can safely say that the organisers feel tired, but satisfied."

However, the committee is not resting on its laurels. An open meeting has already been arranged for October 1 when members of the public will be invited to put forward their ideas for next year's festival.