Entertainment in Bolton

Bolton’s theatre scene is bustling, with three venues spread throughout the town offering high quality entertainment. The Octagon Theatre, opposite Bolton Museum on Howell Croft Street, is a 500-seater venue renowned for its fantastic theatre productions and work in the community, where it helps local people all of all ages access their creativity. The productions, sets and costumes are made mostly under the Octagon’s roof, meaning anything you see here is a true reflection of the local talent.

Just a short walk away, housed in the town hall on Victoria Square, is The Albert Halls. The 670-seater venue is a hub of entertainment in the town, featuring regular theatre, dance, comedy and pantomime shows. It has recently been renovated and looks better than ever, with significant improvements to the bar area where you can enjoy a drink before or after the show.

Bolton Little Theatre is a brilliant amateur production venue which runs a programme of seven plays per year. The shows are on each Saturday and vary from comedy to classics depending on when you visit. The BLT has a stellar reputation in the industry and has played a part in nurturing stars such as Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock and welcomed special guests including Sir Ian McKellen.

If you are visiting Bolton for the football, then you couldn’t be better placed – both our Bolton Stadium/Arena hotel and our Bolton West hotel are ideally placed just a stone’s throw from the University of Bolton Stadium. Home to Bolton Wanderers F.C., the stadium can hold over 28,000 fans. It is located on Middlebrook, the largest retail park in the UK, which has a number of restaurants and bars for football fans to visit before or after a match.

Established in 1874, the Wanderers were a founding member of the English football league. They currently reside in the English Championship, having been promoted from League One in 2017. Their most successful spell in recent years came between 1995 and 2008, when they were part of the top flight of English football and enjoyed a season competing in the UEFA European Cup.

The best of Bolton’s indie music scene can be found at Bar.Metro Rocks on Bradshawgate. Hosting regular gigs from up-and-coming bands and popular tribute acts, this place is a favourite amongst locals on Friday and Saturday nights. The drinks are reasonably priced here, and there is always a good atmosphere when live music is taking place.

If you are a fan of musicals, then check out what’s on at The Albert Halls inside Bolton Town Hall. This theatre venue occasionally hosts music productions alongside its schedule of theatre, comedy and dance shows.

The Macron Stadium also hosts the occasional concert during the summer months, with star bands and musicians such as Little Mix, The Killers, Oasis and Elton John all gracing the stage there in previous years.