King Charles in Bolton: royal visit planned to mark town hall’s anniversary

King Charles III is to visit Bolton to celebrate 150 years of the town hall. The King and Queen Consort, Camilla, are set to arrive in the borough on Friday (20 January).

It will be the first time the reigning monarch has been to Bolton since Queen Elizabeth II came for the town’s 150th birthday celebrations in 1988. Their Majesties will be greeted at the town hall – officially opened in 1873 by the Prince of Wales – by a civic line-up including the Mayor Coun Akhtar Zaman, leading councillors and local MPs. They will first enjoy watching a performance from the Polonez folk dance group, before entering the town hall – the borough’s long-standing municipal headquarters.

The pair will walk in via the Hall of Memories – pausing to look at LS Lowry’s famous painting Going to the Match, which was inspired by Bolton Wanderers’ old Burnden Park ground.

They will then join a reception in the main hall to meet representatives from several community groups including Bolton Asian Elders, Bolton Holiday Activities and Food Programme and Fortalice.Their Majesties will also be presented with the town hall key before unveiling a plaque commemorating the visit.

As they leave the Hand Made Sign Language choir will perfrom God Save The King to mark their departure. More details are expected in due course.