To commemorate the Olympic torch procession passing through Bolton on Thursday 31 May, Bolton College is opening its doors to the local community and inviting people to come along for an open afternoon, full of festivities and celebrations.

Event: Bolton College Open Afternoon

Date: 31 May 2012

Time: 1.00pm – 7pm 

Venue: Bolton College, Deane Road Campus, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5BG 

From 1pm to 6.27pm, when the Olympic Torch will pass along Deane Road, the college’s atrium will be brought to life, with students and staff dressed in fancy dress, hosting a range of activities in support of the nation’s athletes.

There will be an Olympic Market, selling delicious homemade cakes and ice creams, as well as live dancing from performing arts students and an afternoon of sporting challenges in the sports hall. As part of a makeover marathon, the college’s hair and beauty students will be on hand to give visitors a brand new look in Team GB colours, including nail art, hair stencils and face painting – perfect for anyone going to the Olympic concert in Queens Park later in the day.

Students from the construction, art and design departments have crafted an impressive 8ft by 12ft art installation, commemorating the Olympic Torch, which will also be unveiled on the day. 

And, as the Olympic Torch passes by the college on Deane Road just before 6.30pm, 50 students will turn over placards in salute, spelling out the phrase ‘Bolton College Backs Team GB’. Spectators will have the opportunity to submit their own messages of support, which will be displayed on a specially-created message wall in the college atrium. 

Marie Gilluley, principal of Bolton College, said: “We were so honoured to hear that the Olympic Torch would be passing right by the college and that one of our community centre volunteers – Eddie Birchall – would also be a torchbearer. We felt inspired to do something extra special and the whole team of students and staff have come together to create a spectacular day.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming local people through our doors and hope they enjoy everything we have planned.”

Student services will be on hand throughout the day to offer guidance and advice on the range of courses. The team will be giving out the brand new Summer Course Guide 2012, including information on all 800 courses available. People will also be able to enrol for courses on the day itself. 

In addition, all funds raised will be donated to Bolton College’s chosen charity, MhIST – the Mental Health Independent Support Team – and will provide a real boost for the students’ fundraising efforts to raise £5,000 to provide a guide dog for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The Olympic Torch convoy will begin passing the Deane Road campus at 5pm, with the torch arriving at 6.27pm. 

For more information about Bolton College, please visit www.boltoncollege.ac.uk.