18 hours ago
The summer events being staged in the beautiful grounds of a historic Bolton hall
A traditional garden party will be held in the beautiful grounds of one of Bolton's historic halls this weekend.
Smithills Garden Party opens at noon on Sunday, July 6, with an invite extended to all to attend.
The family friendly event is one of the most popular on the town's social calender with plenty of activities to suit all tastes.
Picture by Henry Lisowski
Highlights this year include food and artisan stalls, fairground friends, craft table and trail, garden games, tours, face painting, storytelling and much more.
Entry is free but there may be charges for some activities.
The garden party runs until 4pm.
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Hundreds are expected to attend the event throughout the day.
The event is one of many being staged at Smithills Hall this summer.
The historic hall will be the stunning backdrop to its first 'Shakespeare in the Gardens' event on Saturday, July 12.
The classic love tragedy Romeo and Juliet will perform at 5.30pm and Macbeth at 7.30pm.
The plays will be performed outdoors in the gardens, by multi award winning A Place for Us Theatre Company.
Picture by Henry Lisowski
People are invited to bring their own blanket and/or chair, enjoy a special picnic box - and a glass of something sparkly - from Bake and Roast, or bring their own picnic of your own.
The shows will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather, so those attending are urged to dress appropriately with waterproofs and/or jumpers at the ready.
The plays are suitable for those aged seven and over.
Tickets for the plays are available from
Book a picnic box from Bake and Roast at =
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, executive member for culture in Bolton, said: "I will be going to the garden party and it is great to see it continuing.
"I would encourage anyone who hasn't gone to visit, it is a great event for the people of Bolton."
He praised the work of all those involved in organising the garden party and bringing event such as 'Shakespeare in the Gardens' to Bolton.
Cllr Ayub said: "This will be a great event, so many people know the plays and to see it performed in Bolton is great for the people to come and enjoy.
"Everyone works so hard to bring events like this to Bolton."