Credit: The Bolton News
Banners and Film Festival Highlight Town’s Growing Reputation
Cardwells Estate Agents, a well-known name in the Bolton property scene, has praised the town’s growing profile as a prime filming destination after new banners appeared across Horwich celebrating Bolton as the ‘Hollywood of the North’.
The striking banners, seen around the Beehive roundabout in Horwich, proudly display the message “Bolton – The Hollywood of the North”. Their appearance coincides with the annual Bolton Film Festival, which runs from Wednesday, October 1 to Sunday, October 5, attracting filmmakers and industry professionals from across the UK and beyond.
Local residents have speculated that the banners were installed to celebrate the town’s increasing involvement in film and television production, particularly during the festival week. Recent months have seen a flurry of filming activity across Bolton, including scenes for Sophie Willan’s hit BBC comedy Alma’s Not Normal, which was partly shot in the Green Machine bike shop on Lee Lane. Other well-known productions such as A Monster Calls have also chosen the area for key location shoots.
Andrew Cardwell Applauds Bolton’s Recognition
Andrew Cardwell, Managing Director of Cardwell’s Estate Agents, noticed the new banners and welcomed what they represent. He commented:
“It’s quite nice to see it, that the town is getting used for a lot of productions like films and TV series.”
Mr Cardwell’s remarks reflect a wider sense of local pride as Bolton continues to evolve into one of the UK’s most sought-after filming locations. He added that the town’s charm lies in its mix of historic architecture, industrial heritage, and diverse urban backdrops – all of which make it appealing to directors and producers searching for authentic Northern settings.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in production activity,” he explained. “From classic dramas to modern series, Bolton is offering something unique. It’s great for the local economy and brilliant exposure for the town.”
A Town on Screen
Bolton’s cinematic appeal has grown steadily in recent years. The town’s landmark Le Mans Crescent has provided the backdrop for numerous acclaimed productions, including Peaky Blinders, The Irregulars, and even episodes of Coronation Street. Its impressive architecture and blend of period and modern locations have helped secure its reputation as a flexible, film-friendly environment.
This year’s Bolton Film Festival further cements that reputation, with more than 200 short films being screened, including dozens of world, European, and UK premieres. The event also features networking sessions, panel discussions, and appearances from some of the biggest names in the film industry.
As Andrew Cardwell noted, Bolton’s transformation into a Northern hub for creative production shows no signs of slowing down. With increased filming bringing both attention and opportunity, the town’s new banners serve as a fitting symbol of pride for a community that continues to shine on screen.
Read the full news article at: The Bolton News
