Bolton Council’s new Cabinet Member for Culture wants to put the arts, creativity, and major events at the heart of the borough.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub was appointed in May to the newly created cabinet position, reflecting a renewed emphasis on the importance of Bolton’s cultural offer.
Culture already plays a crucial role in the council’s regeneration plans, building on the area’s strengths to boost visitor footfall and create more vibrant communities.
Recent local success stories include the £12m refurbishment of the Octagon Theatre and the £3.8m Bolton Museum renovation.
The borough has a growing reputation as a host of world class events with visitors flocking to Bolton to enjoy the Rugby League World Cup, major music concerts, and the Bolton Film Festival.
Bolton also continues to be a very popular filming location of TV and film producers, thanks to the borough’s rich architectural heritage and stunning countryside.
The new cabinet member has already hit the ground running with a series of exciting announcements ahead of this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
More announcements are planned for the months ahead including new cultural assets for the town centre and events to celebrate the borough’s civic history.
Cllr Ayub said: "I am excited to be the executive member for culture.
“I want culture to be the heartbeat of our town and I want people of Bolton and beyond to come here to enjoy the arts, films, music, dance, theatre, museums, libraries, and galleries.
“I want people to connect with our cultural offer, and for venues like the Albert Halls to thrive.
“I am looking forward to making more announcements in the coming months and welcoming new cultural initiatives that will celebrate Bolton’s proud past and bright future.
“So watch this space.”
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said:
“Regeneration goes far beyond just bricks and mortar.
“Alongside the work we’re doing to physically transform our town centres we also want to create enhanced public spaces and vibrant communities where people want to live and visit.
“Our decision to create this new cabinet-level role reflects just how vital we believe the role of culture will be in helping us achieve this.
“Bolton already punches above its weight when it comes to culture and the performing arts, we aim to build on that strength.”