I plotted this column yesterday afternoon whilst watching Santa's Grotto being built in Bolton Market.  Across the food court what looks like several miles of Christmas tree lights need to be untangled and it is a task that is being tackled valiantly. 

The Christmas fun starts tonight as Coronation Street's Alan Halsall (who plays the lovable Tyrone) switching on the town's Christmas lights in Victoria Square. 

The Christmas lights switch-on show, sponsored by Market Place Shopping Centre begins at 5pm and features a variety of musical acts before the Weatherfield favourite pushes the button at 7pm. 

A fireworks finale will light up the town hall and mark the official start to Bolton's Christmas season. 

But that's just the start of the Christmas festivities. 

The Winter Festival returns to the town centre on Saturday, December 8 and runs every day until Sunday, January 6 (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and will see the town centre brimming with Yuletide entertainment and attractions. 

The festival sees the return of the ice rink, where nearly 200 people can strap on their skates. 

And just to make sure all the little boys and girls (and mums and dads!) are on their best behaviour, Father Christmas returns to the Albert Halls! The Albert Halls will also host the Mayor's Christmas Fair on December 8. The halls will be bursting with stalls selling unique gifts, crafts and sweet treats. It will also be a chance for lucky families in Bolton to help those less fortunate by supporting the Mayor's charities.


Join Bolton FM from 2pm this afternoon in the Market Place on the Bolton FM stage as we build up to the Christmas Light switch on.