BOLTON'S Victorian town hall celebrates its 125th birthday on Friday. The magnificent building was opened on June 5, 1873 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra. Designed by William Hill, of Leeds, and George Woodhouse, of Bolton, it was built at a cost of £170,000.

At the time, it was described as "a cascade of stone flowing down into Victoria Square".

To celebrate, Bolton Council has published a brochure and is holding a small exhibition of the history of the building and the changes it has seen over the years.

The exhibition will be in the ticket and information centre at the town hall for a week from Friday.

Copies of the brochure will be available for £1 each.

The Albert Hall inside town hall was ravaged by fire on November 14, 1981.

Only the thick Victorian walls and the skill of the fire service saved the rest of the building from destruction.

It was re-built at a cost of £3 million and the new Albert Halls entertainment complex was opened in 1985.

Cllr Bob Howarth, Bolton Council leader, said that the town hall had "provided sterling service for the people of the borough and it is a building of which to be proud."

He added: "Our forefathers had the vision to build this magnificent structure.

"It provides a focal point for the town and a landmark that can be recognised from far afield.

"With careful management, the building will still be serving the people of Bolton for at least another 125 years."

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