It's jubilee weekend -- and Bolton is in the party spirit.

Twenty five years ago the nation was uniting in celebration -- bunting was

hoisted outside houses, trestle tables laden with pork pies and fairy cakes and front steps painted red white and blue. And while there are plenty of street parties being organised, most of us will be spending this Jubilee making the most of this joyfully long weekend. We might spare a thought for dear old Liz, but mainly we'll be working on drinking, revelling and praying for sunshine. So here's the 24:7 alternative guide to how and where to party this weekend...

Clubbing

It hasn't been lost on the world of clubland that we'll have an extra two nights out this weekend, and the options for clubbing are plentiful indeed. Doing its bit for the country, Revolution will be starting the celebrations on Sunday where resident DJ Steni and special guest DJs will be spinning the UK's most essential tunes, with more fun on Monday with an evening of British anthems courtesy of DJ Miles, PC, John E, Galaxy 102's Si Edwards and Shaunee.

Ikon presents The Big Galaxy takeover on Sunday, where, as the title suggests, Galaxy 102 DJs will be giving a helping hand at the club. Pop along to see Vic McGlyn behind the bar, Tracy Ollerenshaw on the door, Lynsey Horn taking the coats and Mike Anthony as the club manager. There will also be prizes and giveaways all night, and a guaranteed party atmosphere.

Juice will be delivering the usual weekend clubbing action with Danny Whitehead and Mike Catherall spinning the High Society tunes tonight. On Sunday Rock FM's LJ goes Loungin' and on Monday there'll be some Regal goings-on with a kings and queens fancy dress theme at Hustle.

Over at Atlantis, Jubilee anthems will be getting the party going tonight, Saturday will see the club decked out in a street party theme, and Sunday delivers Love 2 Dance. And if you've still got the stamina, God Save The Queen on Monday night offers as much booze as you can quaff for £10 to £15.

Those who venture into Manchester this bank holiday might want to catch Homoelectric, which is back tonight for one night only at a new location, Legends on Whitworth Street. This popular Electric Chair spin-off plays an unpredictable uncommercial mix of tunes and is highly popular so get your ticket sorted pronto to avoid disappointment.

Comedy

If you venture out to Manchester this weekend then you can be certain of a lighthearted approach to the Jubilee proceedings. On Saturday The Comedy Store will feature the usual top-notch stand up acts, with a line-up of likely lads including Simon Bligh, Martin Coyote, Mick Ferry and Phil Nichol, compered by Mark Billingham, while on Sunday you can watch humorous (or humourless) hopefuls test their wit against Toby Foster and his mighty gong. If these amateurs fail to make the audience chortle then they're off the stage quicker than you can say "Take My Wife..."

Meanwhile , over at The Frog And Bucket there will be quips a-plenty from Ian Cognito, Mike Milligan and PB Edwards, while at Jongleurs, Mickey Hutton, Tina C, Rainer Hersch and Mandy Knight will be lining up the laughs.

Festivals

If you've always preferred anarchy to monarchy in the UK then why not opt for Mudstock for your Jubilee celebrations. Taking place at Little Lever Cricket Club, this mini-festival kicks off at 5pm on Monday and will be hosted by Hawthorne's DJ Talkie T, who says he will be playing "music". The line-up includes comedy from Neil Diamond and Ron Mayel, a couple of stalwarts of the North West comedy scene who have performed at various venues from the Frog And Bucket to the Royal Exchange. There will also be live bands, gambling, 'Derryk and Clyve', refreshments, the Master At work: Little Lever Vega and, most importantly of all, cheap booze! Hurrah! You can buy a ticket on the door, for the handsome price of £5 (free camping and parking) and all proceeds go to a good cause.

With all that entertainment to choose from, plus two whole days to recover from the inevitable bad head, this is one weekend that is certainly worth getting the flags out for!