Tuesday, July 23, 2pm to 5pm: Welcome Celebration -- Queen's Baton Relay, Victoria Square, Bolton

An afternoon of fun activities to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay to Bolton.

Tuesday, July 23, 2pm: Blue Badge Guide Town Tour

Take a tour of Bolton town centre with a professional Blue Badge Guide, complete with enlightening and entertaining commentary. Ring 01204 334400 for more details.

Wednesday July 24, 2pm: Old Man and Scythe Historical Tour

A tour around the pub that is Bolton's oldest building, parts of which date all the way back to the 12th Century. Features include the chair the Earl of Derby sat in prior to his execution outside the pub. Places limited to 30 people per tour.

Thursday, July 25, 2pm: Blue Badge Guide Town Tour

Saturday, July 27, 2pm: Blue Badge Guide Town Tour

Sunday, July 28, noon to 6pm: Bolton Mela Festival, Spa Playing Fields, Spa Road, Bolton

A massive all-day festival celebrating the great diversity of Asian arts and culture, including food, clothing, music, art and craft workshops, Asian and non-Asian sports competitions, exhibitions and performing artists. Ring Annie Ingram on 01204 334098 for more details.

Monday, July 29, 2pm: Old Man and Scythe Historical Tour

Tuesday, July 30, 2pm: Blue Badge Guide Town Tour

Wednesday, July 31, 2pm: Old Man and Scythe Historical Tour

Wednesday, July 31 to August 3: Spirit of Bolton, Marquee, Victoria Square, Bolton -- Ring 01204 523762.

Thursday, August 1, 7.30pm: Blue Badge Guide Ale Trail

Take a tour with a professional Blue Badge Guide and hear about the people and events behind the pubs of Bolton. Ring 01204 334400.

Friday, August 2, 2pm: Tour of the Parish Church Tower, Bolton

The present church of St Peter, Bolton Le Moors, is a beautiful Victorian Gothic building and the third known building to have occupied this site on Churchgate. Its spacious interior includes and Anglo-Saxon cross, Elizabethan choir stalls, stained glass windows dating from the early 19th century and Reredos painting. The tour includes a visit to the bells and an explanation of bell ringing. Phone 01204 334400.

THROUGHOUT THE GAMES

Special Art Exhibition, Great House Information Centre, next to Lower Rivington Barn.

Free art exhibition consisting of local services. For further details, contact Mrs Murray on 01204 669645 (day) or 01204 693347 (evening).

Commonwealth Exhibition, Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton

Summer Reading Game -- The Reading Planet, All Libraries in Bolton. Phone 01204 525372

MANCHESTER:

Saturday, July 27: Saturday Night on the Orient Express, Manchester Victoria.

Supporting the Brain and Spinal Injury Charity. A four hour scenic countryside and coastline tour. Tickets cost £140. Ring 01204 373322.

The following events all run from July 25 to August 4,

10am to 11pm: Sport and Performance, Exchange Square, Manchester. From circus training for kids, to live nightly sports finals on a Festival Live big scree. It will host the most exciting and dynamic entertainment from the Commonwealth and from the Commonwealth Games.

10am to 11pm: Sport, Piccadilly Gardens.

The Festival Live screen at Piccadilly Gardens will allow everybody in Manchester City Centre to enjoy the best in live sporting action from all of the Commonwealth Games venues. From swimming at the Aquatics Centre to the gymnastics at G Mex, everyone will have an opportunity to catch their favourite event with the Piccadilly Gardens Festival Live screen.

12.30pm to 2.30pm: Music, Barbirolli Square.

Conveniently located for The Bridgewater Hall, Festival Live at Barbirolli Square will host a series of lunchtime concerts that will reflect the best music from the North West and from across the Commonwealth. From the exciting spectacle of the Bollywood Brass Band to the more relaxing strains of some of the finest brass that the North West has to offer, Barbirolli Square will be a must for all music lovers.

12.30pm to 2.30pm: Music, Great Northern Square.

Exotic and relaxing entertainment. Festival Live at Great Northern Square will showcase everything from samba to jazz in a series of lunchtime concerts.

1pm to 6pm: Relax and Performance, Cathedral Gardens

BUPA will be providing Manchester visitors with the opportunity to indulge the mind, body and spirit with a series of marquees featuring everything from Indian head massage to a gym for the kids.

10am to 6pm: Relax and Performance, St Ann's Square.

Outdoor caf where you will be able to take a break from shopping or work and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy strolling performers and lunchtime entertainment.

10am to 7pm: Stroll and Browse, Pollard St

The main canalside walkway from the City Centre to Sportcity will be home to the region's best arts and crafts stalls together with the delicious smells, tastes and textures of the North West's Famous Farmer's Market.

USEFUL WEBSITES

Bolton Evening News HERE

Bolton Council Commonwealth Games Homepage: HERE

Commonwealth Games HERE

Transport HERE

Merchandise HERE

COMMONWEALTH GAMES TICKETS RING 0870 162 2002