Bolton’s screen sector took centre stage yesterday with the official launch of the Bolton Film Office at Bolton Film Festival, marking a major step forward in the town’s ambition to become a leading destination for film and TV production.
The launch was celebrated with industry networking and a panel discussion hosted by Professor Aaqil Ahmed (University of Greater Manchester), joined by Fiona Fung, Bolton Film Office Manager at Bolton Council; Chelsea Foster from Creative England; and Ian Findlay, a seasoned Location Manager.
The panel explored Bolton’s growing reputation as a filming hotspot, with recent productions showcasing the town’s versatility – from historic architecture to adaptable urban and rural backdrops.
From gritty dramas like Peaky Blinders and Happy Valley to big-screen stories like A Gentleman in Moscow, the town’s unique character has appeared in productions across BBC, ITV, Netflix, Paramount+, and Sky, earning it the nickname “Hollywood of the North.”
The launch event’s panel discussion highlighted this, along with the importance of building a local talent pool and getting the creative arts community more involved, through relations with the town’s University of Greater Manchester and local working actors.
The panel also addressed film tourism, with plans to enhance Bolton’s visibility and celebrate its screen heritage – an initiative aimed at boosting local pride and visitor engagement.
Business engagement was another hot topic, with the panel discussing how Bolton businesses can support incoming film crews and benefit from the growing industry.
Location Manager Ian Findlay addressed this and praised Bolton Council for being a great one to work with, reinforcing the town’s reputation for being film-friendly.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, also attended and gave a welcoming speech, highlighting:
“I know Bolton Film Festival isn’t just about great short films – it’s also a celebration of how culture drives communities, boosts local identity, and supports economic resilience.
“Together, we will discuss how Bolton can continue to grow as a cultural destination through filming and the use of its public spaces, fantastic buildings, and green space.
“The new Bolton Film Office will enhance what has already been achieved and will grow our filming across the borough and keep Bolton firmly in the filming spotlight – maintaining its reputation as being a place truly Born to Perform.”
