FAMILIES turned out to Bolton Library and Museum today as it kicked off its celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The museum is hosting a wide range of family friendly activities and began its fun-filled bank holiday weekend with a Thursday ‘noisy day.’

This afternoon, children and their families took a seat at the library’s Tea Party play table, complete with a union jack tablecloth, and enjoyed a live performance by the Kings Brass band.

Elsewhere, visitors met the Jubilee Bear and the Queen’s Guard Beefeater who was on hand to guard a replica of her Majesty’s crown.  

Bury Times: Gita and her sister Jayna at Bolton Library and MuseumGita and her sister Jayna at Bolton Library and Museum

For little ones, Sugar Lumps Creative Studio organised a messy play area for children to take part in craft activities.

Among the visitors were Gita Halai and her sister Jayna Patel who were visiting the museum with their children. The sisters agreed the Jubilee was a great way of uniting the community after a tough couple of years.

Gita said: “The Jubilee is a great way to get together, it’s a multicultural event which brings people together, especially after Covid.”

Bury Times: Gauri Mane and Ved at the Tea Party play table Gauri Mane and Ved at the Tea Party play table

Children visiting the library also had the opportunity to take part in some fancy dress, with replica shields, swords and helmets to transform them into a Medieval knight.

Abi Russell, who had brought along her daughter Esme, said that the Jubilee was a chance to bring friends and family together on a special occasion.

She said, [The Jubilee] is an opportunity to make memories and spent time with family and friends.”

Bury Times: Esme Russell with her sword and shield Esme Russell with her sword and shield

Tomorrow, the museum will be holding a ‘quiet day’ for visitors who prefer to celebrate with calmer activities.

It will hold a silent disco, SEND sensory play sessions and a mid-morning screening of the Queen’s Corgi.

Activities across the weekend will include an object handling session, a music through the decades event and a screening of the BFG.