"I visited filming spots at the 'Hollywood of the North' and recreated iconic Peaky Blinders and Happy Valley scenes"

The term ‘Hollywood of the North’ is a boast many town’s and cities in the region aspire to but in Bolton’s case it’s ringing true. Since 2015 around 200 films and television series have been filmed there, with 75 productions using locations in the past five years.

Having won the award for Greater Manchester’s town of culture 2024, Bolton Council has introduced walking tours giving a glimpse into some of the locations used in dramas such as Peaky Blinders, It’s A Sin, Happy Valley and A Gentleman in Moscow and dozens more. Manchester Evening News reporter Chris Gee joined one of the tours, which centres around the spectacular curving architecture of Le Mans Cresent.

When it was announced Bolton was the region’s ‘town of culture’ this year there was more than a little ridicule in some of the comments sections on social media. However, the area has long been the cradle of comedic talent, thanks largely to the giant of stand-up Peter Kay and in recent years has become something of a magnet for all kinds of film and television productions.

Stars including Ewan McGregor, Helena Bonham-Carter, Robert Carlisle, Sarah Lancashire, Stephen Graham and Cillian Murphy have all filmed scenes in the town. The most popular location is Le Mans Crescent, it’s scenic neo-classical façades providing a perfect backdrop for directors to imitate cities such as London New York and Moscow.

The location walking tour, led by local historian Suzanne Hindle begins with a look at the archive designs for the crescent, built in the 1930s as a grand civic project, giving work to hundreds during the Depression. Outside Suzanne gave tour party of around 20 a knowledgeable insight into the many productions filmed on the cobbles, including a memorable