AN exhibition charting the highs and lows of Burnden Park, its heroes and its villains opens tomorrow.

As the Wanderers faithful prepare themselves for the last match at Burnden against Charlton, Bolton Museum and Art Gallery takes the wraps off its latest major venture.

Following the heady success of The Pre-Raphaelite Knights exhibition, which attracted a staggering 28,000 visitors, it's the turn of Bolton Wanderers and Burnden Park to take centre stage.

Souvenirs and memorabilia of the last 102 years have been gathered together by museum staff who are confident the exhibition is set to break all records.

"Everyone at the museum is thrilled by the Wanderers' success and believe the exhibition will appeal not only to the faithful but to the town, country and football fans generally," explained Adrian Jenkins, Senior Keeper of Art.

"What has been particularly pleasing, as far as museum staff are concerned, is the opportunities this exhibition has given us to work with the club, the Royal Mail which is sponsoring the exhibition, and businesses across the town who have all been tremendously supportive."

Much of the memorabilia featured has been donated by Wanderers fans in Bolton who responded magnificently to an appeal in the BEN. The club has also loaned numerous historical items to enhance displays.

Staff have worked closely with the curator of the National Football Museum in Carlisle who were able to locate national collectors of Wanderers memorabilia.

"What is bound to appeal to football fans everywhere is the sheer range and number of exhibits and the way they have been curated," said Mr Jenkins.

"The exhibition starts at the very beginning of the club's history when they were on a high and comprehensively charts its years right up to the present day when once again the club is on a high.

"We are obviously very aware that this is a very emotive time for Wanderers fans everywhere. The move from Burnden will obviously stir many memories and the move is obviously the initiative which prompted the exhibition."

With the museum enjoying tremendous success, staff are anxious to build on its reputation and are already planning the next feature to follow on from the Wanderers tribute.

"The History of the 70s" featuring the fashions, culture, youth scene and pop icons of that decade is already on the cards. And staff are hoping the current 70s revival will draw in the crowds.

Football Glory-the Burnden Park Story, is free and runs from tomorrow until August 9.

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