Bolton Film Office

12/11/2026

Incredible opportunity here - get your first break into drama with paid work experience.

"Project Dig" is an upcoming drama filming in Greater Manchester.

Check out this free event to find out more.

You must be 18+, not in full time education, and not for individuals who have previously worked in production at any level in high-end TV, paid or unpaid.

Don't miss this!

09/11/2026

BBC Morning Live are looking for Bolton residents to share their experiences of shopping for everyday items, both online and in-store.

If you are interested, please contact the Morning Live team direct (details on the poster) by 12 noon on Friday 13th November, with details about your shopping experiences.

04/11/2026

Harwood Library has been a HIVE of activity today!

Students from the University of Salford have been filming their 2nd year film project in our delightful community library. We're so pleased that we get to support the next generation of filmmakers to get hands-on practical experience.

Our wonderful libraries aren't just about borrowing books, these are warm spaces, community spaces, gallery spaces, talking spaces, thoughtful spaces, and learning spaces - for EVERYONE. We're stoked that we can add 'filming' to the long list of things to do in the library!

A huge thanks to the Bolton Library and Museum Services for providing such welcoming community facilities🎉

Visit Bolton

02/11/2026

***LOCATION OF THE MONTH***

It's November, which means winter and the short dark days are on the way.

That's why we’re suggesting that you take part in National take a hike day on the Tuesday 17th of November, and visit some our outside filming locations! Here in Bolton we take pride in our outdoor spaces and we strive to make Bolton a healthier town; and at the same time getting some inspiration to set your next film.

To aid in your hiking/walking (whichever you prefer), why don't you step into one of our green space filming locations, right on your doorstep!

1) Seven Acres Country Park - Tonge Moor
2) Rivington pike - Horwich
3) Hall Lee Bank Park - Westhoughton

With thanks to Aiden for contributing to November's Location of the month post!

27/10/2026

Halloween is nearly here, so let's take a look at our spookiest places to film in Bolton!

#5… Little Bolton Town Hall.

Officially opening in 1828, this building has been a Town Hall, police station, magistrates court, library and museum, with the basement once said to contain cells and dungeons. The oldest surviving door and 'felon's stairway' can still be seen from the stone passageway. It's easy to use your imagination and feel what stories might have passed through the building over the years. Turn the lights down low and it starts to get a bit creepy...

#4... Empty Department Store

Once a bustling shopping centre, this vacant building is now eerily silent. We're glad the lights are on, we're getting 'The Last Of Us' vibes! This awesome building is crying out for someone to use it for filming - fake zombies only please.

#3... Cells

The cells in our former Magistrates Court are as warm and inviting as that Tupperware of unknown leftovers you find at the back of the freezer. Those thick walls and solid doors certainly do nothing to help with the claustrophobia. Did you just hear a scream? Oh wait no, it was just Fiona trying to find the light switch.

#2... Deserted Farm

A vast farm dating back a couple of centuries, it has multiple outhouses, and lots of places to hide. You definitely don't want to be here after dark!

#1... Smithills Hall

And rightly so in the top spot, Bolton's very own historic, and haunted hall! Parts of the hall are over 500 years old, and have some tales to tell. Visitors and staff have reportedly seen a man and woman in 15th Century attire, someone praying in the chapel, a man with white bushy hair, and hearing the sounds of horses passing by.

You can find out more about Smithills Hall's spooky sightings here - https://www.boltonlams.co.uk/homepage/55/ghostly-encounters-at-smithills-hall, or keep an eye out for the next Paranormal Investigation.

For more family friendly spooktastic activities, why don't you check out the Visit Bolton website https://www.visitbolton.com/whats-on/entertainment-events/

22/10/2026

It's not every day that you arrive at work to a lovely thank you card and a bunch of flowers from a recent production! 💐❤

We pride ourselves on being a supportive team, and working closely with film crews to help them achieve their vision, so it's always a delight to get a positive response 😁

What a shame Chris and Steve are on annual leave, we can't guarantee there will be any chocolates left when you get back.

19/10/2026

On Saturday night we celebrated some of the unsung heroes of the Film and TV world - the Locations Teams!

The UK Location Managers Awards 2026, held at the Manchester Concorde Centre, was an absolute delight - huge respect to Jaqcui and Georgette for organising it all.

At Bolton Film Office we work very closely with the Locations teams to help them find the best location for the scene and get the most out of it. We know all too well that the Locations teams are the first ones there, and the last ones out (along with Production, we haven't forgotten you!) and come rain or shine, get the job done. So we were very happy to sponsor the welcome reception, with a 'Bolton Banger' no less!

Massive congratulations to all the nominees and winners 👏👏👏

16/10/2026

07/10/2026

***LOCATION OF THE MONTH***

Did someone say October? With the night’s drawing in, the leaves getting crispy, and Halloween just around the corner (sort of). It feels like the perfect time to finally admit summer is over and cosy-season has officially begun. 🍂

So where else can you stock up on your slow-cooker ingredients and Autumn essentials than Bolton’s own indoor market! And it’s not just pumpkins, potatoes, and parsnips to get you in that seasonal spirit, you can find a whole host of items at the market, with items ranging from clothing, sweet treats, and antiques.

The market also offers a great space for filmmakers with its authentic charm and lively atmosphere; can accommodate everything from bustling market scenes, community focused storylines, and commercial shoots. With its diverse range of stalls and traditional indoor and outdoor market setting, the market provides the perfect backdrop that can be easily transformed to suit a variety of productions. 🎬

Visit Bolton