According to a recent report 50% of parents are concerned about the cost of keeping children from being bored over the summer holidays.

However as well as things to do with our best of Bolton members, there are plenty of free things happening around Bolton too.

On average mums and dads spend £492 over the 6 week break, according to the Post Office. This is 26% more than last year.

Parents interviewed in the survey said they expected to spend £119 on petrol, £106 on childcare and £66 on other parent’s children. All this adds up, with many saying they’d have to use savings, work overtime and use credit cards to budget for the summer. 12% will use auction sites to pay for goods and activities.

Most money is going towards a summer holiday abroad, and eating out and museums another cost for parents. But here are events happening in Bolton that won’t cost you a penny.

The always terrific Moses Gate Country Fair takes place on Tuesday 20^th July. There will be lots of events happening by the reservoir, like donkey rides, live music and sporting spectaculars.

If you or your child is a history buff then you might enjoy the festival of archaeology at Bolton Library. There will be speeches from different societies throughout the day as well as a myriad of stalls.

It will be time to get creative at the BSBP arts and craft session. Local art businesses and student nurses will help deliver this fun session.

Tale in the fragrant senses of different flowers at the 35^th flower festival at St Anne’s Church in Turton. The theme of this year’s event is British sitcoms and is sure to be a delightful day.

Every Friday during the holidays Smithills Hall are holding outstanding events. There will be a haunted house, Tudor crafts and medieval swords and shields.

Another regular event is the Bromley Cross Craft Fair. You can pick up some nice souvenirs like paintings, cupcakes, poems and framed photographs.

The Edgworth Horticultural Society opens its doors on 16^th August. There will be prizes available for competitors, in areas like fruit, vegetables and arts and crafts.

Finally at Hall I’th Wood Museum is a family bug hunt. The whole family can learn more about insects they can find in their house and lawn.

So there you have it, there’s lots of free things to do in Bolton over the summer holidays. And remember if you’ve got an event happening that we’ve not listed here please get in touch.