UPBEAT Millennium organisers are making plans for Bolton to celebrate . . . despite last week's cash blow.

A £190,000 bid for three projects was turned down by the Millennium Festival Fund.

But details are now beginning to emerge about how Bolton will bounce back and organise the events.

Council chiefs are thinking again about holding a New Year's Eve Millennium event - after originally ruling it out.

They are holding talks with a company called Promo Concepts UK about a spectacular event which could include a laser show which could be seen from all over the borough.

As the BEN has already revealed, businessman Mr John Musso, owner of The Temple and Club Mondo, is also hoping to organise a street festival extravaganza over the Millennium weekend.

There would be entertainment for families during the day and adults in the evenings.

A big Millennium community festival is being organised by the council for the summer.

Bolton Council's Millennium team is also looking at requests for help from residents who are wanting to organise street parties.

A major event is also being planned for the summer to bring thousands of Bolton people to sing together.

There is also a "Spirits of the Streets" festival being planned for October which would be a week of street entertainment and buskers.

The council's Millennium team is also looking at organising a Millennium Ball in October, a spectacular Christmas lights switch-on and a huge party on December 31, 2000.

The Millennium team is looking at the possibility of holding a "sponsorship showcase" evening aimed at attracting leading businesses in the area to support a celebrations programme.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.