AS we approach a Bank Holiday weekend full of festivities and outdoor entertainment, I can only hope, along with the rest of you, that the weather is somewhat kinder than it has been of late.

I know that throughout Bolton street parties have been planned to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. In fact Cathy in our office has been heavily involved in planning such a party and, as we all in this office know, organising any event of this kind involves a huge amount of hard work. I hope all your celebrations go to plan and a fantastic time is had by all. I'm not sure if age is clouding my memory but I feel pretty sure that the sun shone on the Queen's Silver Jubilee, at least I don't remember getting wet at the party held in my school playground! Don't forget to visit the town centre during this special weekend because you are sure to find everything you need to make your party go with a bang and there will also be businesses celebrating the Jubilee throughout the town centre.

On Saturday Crompton Place is staging "A Royal Occasion" which will be a fun day for all the family with the shopping centre featuring a bouncy castle, rodeo bull (bucking bronco), skittles, face painting and a doughnut eating competition. St Andrews Court are holding a Crowns & Gowns Workshop and children will be able to show off their creative talents in a procession around Crompton Place in the afternoon. The annual Street Life festival will also be taking place on Saturday in the town centre with an afternoon of fun and entertainment featuring familiar faces as well as sensational stunts and sounds. This year the event is continuing into the evening with a parade leaving Victoria Square at 9pm culminating at Spa Road playing fields at 11pm. The parade will offer a universal festival of colour, fire and light. The Market Place is also getting into the spirit of things with two days of Jubilee Jubilation. Things kick off on Monday with free union jack face painting and union jack flag giveaways. Then on Tuesday the Market Place will have its very own Royal Visit with a Prince Charles and Camilla look-alike couple.

If football is more your thing and you are not fortunate enough to be able to fly off to Japan, as I don't think many of us are, don't settle for watching the match at home there are numerous town centre venues that will be screening matches throughout England's campaign. Join fellow supporters and get into the spirit and behind your team in Bolton town centre, the only place to be during the 2002 World Cup!

We were delighted by the recent news that the Magistrates Court will remain in Bolton town centre. This has been a victory for common sense and for the people of Bolton. Local justice is vitally important and we would like to thank everyone that added their names to the petition in the Market Hall, your efforts were not in vain!

Our exhibition last week run jointly with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership was a great success. Large numbers of people interested in careers in childcare flocked to the event to obtain advice from professionals on the choices open to them in this worthwhile and rewarding profession. The children weren't forgotten either and Bill and Ben proved extremely popular as was the other entertainment on hand including the giant balloon race. If you didn't manage to make the event don't despair. Further information on career opportunities can be obtained from the EYDCP team. If you would like contact details please contact this office and we would be delighted to help.

Whatever you are doing this weekend, whether it be celebrating the Jubilee, cheering on our lads at the World Cup or just taking advantage of the four day break to enjoy a well-earned rest have a wonderful weekend and don't forget the town centre can cater to your every need -- see you there!

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton, BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

E-mail: Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk

www.boltontowncentre.co.uk