Laughter in the streets

Shoppers were confronted by robots, stilt walkers, puppets and a variety of crazy creatures.

It was part of Bolton Festival, now in its 22nd year.

Visitors to the festival on Saturday were entertained by Space Cadet street artist dressed in a red and yellow super-hero outfit, who picked people to help in his act.

Livening up -- and cleaning up -- Victoria Square was a troupe of actors with big paper mache heads dressed in blue overalls, sporting pans, brushes and dusters.

Elsewhere in the square, stilt walkers paraded high above the crowds, two riding bright pink flamingos while one made children squeal with delight as his green emu puppet chased after their food.

Gary Gifford, of the Bread and Butter Theatre Company, who played the Space Cadet said his audiences were warm, friendly and game for a laugh.

He said: "It was brilliant. In the first five minutes I could tell the crowd were going to be great."

Later in the day, 25 teenagers from Paderborn, Germany, here to attend the festival performed wonderful court dances from the Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo periods plus dances from the 19th century.

The historical dance and chamber music group, dressed in traditional costumes, performed for two hours in the art gallery.

Russell Tennant, arts developments officer, said: "The weather is not too good, but it was still an excellent turn-out.

"We have all sorts of events and entertainment, including community groups and venues such as the museum and Hall-i'th-Wood taking part.

"The festival is part of a 10 day event running until September 2 and by the end of it several thousand people will have visited the town."