Colors of Bolton - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Bolton is a town in Greater Manchester (the distance to the city is approximately 16 kilometers). In the past, it was an important textile center. In the 14th century, first Flemish weavers appeared on this land, bringing traditions of cotton and wool-weaving with them. In the 19th century, the city was developing rapidly, reaching its boom at the first part of the 20th century. At that time, there were 216 cotton mills and 26 bleaching factories that made Bolton one of the biggest cotton spinning centers in the world. After the First World War, the British cotton industry was in sharp decline and that, unfortunately, concerned the town as well.

Still, local people are proud of their land and their glorious past. Many famous personalities are also from this part of the United Kingdom. Talk to locals and they will tell you that this is the place where the atom was split, appeared the first public library, and Rolls met Royce. At least 20 Nobel Prize winners have studied or lived in this part of the country. Numerous artists, talented musicians, and, of course, football teams are a true pride of locals. Tourists should listen to such stories with respect – many of them are, actually, very interesting.

Even travelers with fluent English may encounter certain problems when talking to Bolton locals. They often use peculiar slang that is quite hard to understand for unprepared people. Some even joke that the Mancunian dialect is a separate language. However, locals usually take pity on tourists and try to use the language the latter can understand. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Weather is another peculiarity of the region. Despite the rest of the UK, locals do not like weather discussions. Known as one of the wettest regions in the country, Bolton’s nature is often harsh on its people. So, don’t forget to take your umbrella even if the sun is shining and the sky is clear – everything might change within just a couple of hours.

Local people have many interesting rituals connected with holidays. For example, Easter is one of the most beloved celebrations that is liked by both children and adults. Eggs are an essential part of a number of Easter rituals. In the ancient times, pagans used eggs as a symbol of new life, and later these rituals were adopted by Catholics. The tradition of rolling eggs is less clear, but it has appeared in England hundreds of years ago. Egg rolling competitions take place in different parts of the country, and Bolton is no exception.

Morris dancing is another interesting tradition that tourists will find amusing to see. The origins of this dance are not clear, but some think it’s an evolved version of druidic springtime rituals. It is possible to see this dance on May Day, Whitsuntide, and Easter. Local people wear clogs and decorated bells, and dance in groups. Tourists interested in modern events and festivals will like Boltfest. It’s one of the most famous tribute festivals in the world and, unlike other music events of this level, it is absolutely free to enter. During two days, best tribute bands from all over the world perform legendary hits and entertain visitors. It’s a charming event with casual, almost family-like environment.

Foodies will find it extremely interesting to attend Bolton Food and Drink Festival. It is the biggest annual event in Bolton. Last year, it attracted as many as 263,000 visitors to the town. The National Association of British Market Authorities even awarded this festival with the Best Food Market title. It’s a true feast of fun, entertainment, and delicious food. Bolton Food and Drink Festival is a family-oriented event that lasts 4 days. During the festival, visitors can attend meetings with celebrity chefs, participate in cooking demos and master classes, enjoy food sampling, attend music concerts and many other activities. Pastry, beer, and wine tasting are essential parts of this event. Every year, more than 200 stalls participate in the event. They offer all kinds of food, snacks, delicacies, drinks, and much more.