Dave Burnham’s Map Archive

Those of you who have followed Live from Worktown for some time will know that our former member, the late Dave Burnham was quite an incredible artist. He kindly put his talents to work for us not only by devising a series of downloadable history walks around Bolton, known as Worktown Walks, he created a

Documenting Worktown Happiness

Despite taking place almost 90 years ago, the Mass Observation research initiative that started in 1937 in Bolton is still regarded by many as an important part of the town’s history, not just in Bolton but further afield too, including at the BBC no less. Live from Worktown were contacted by Radio 4 producer, Katharine

Wrapping up 2025!

It’s been a busy year for everyone at Live from Worktown, which started with our Bolton Observed programme of events, all run as a part of Bolton’s tenancy as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture.  We ran call-outs for poetry and photography, plus a series of Side Door radio shows broadcast on Bolton FM. All this culminated

Request from BBC on Mass Observation

Can you help the BBC with research into people who participated in a Mass Observation survey? BBC Radio 4 are making a documentary about the Happiness Survey that was part of the Mass Observation in the 1930s. They’re looking for people who have a relative that took part in the survey OR who live on

Worktown Words: Reflections, September 2025

We are happy to share the publication of the new issue of Worktown Words. This issue was curated by Romina Ramos and edited by Will Stevenson on the theme of Reflections. And if you’ve missed any previous issues, you can find our catalogue here. Submissions will open again mid October for a November publication.

Announcing Tonge with Haulgh Heritage Walk

Join us for our Heritage walk around Tonge with Haulgh Spaces are limited, so book soon to secure your spot. To book a place email: Pdf1@hotmail.co.uk. Further information including the start venue will be given on booking. Dates for Heritage Walks in other areas will be announced soon.

Worktown Words: Resistance, July 2025

We are happy to share the publication of the new issue of Worktown Words.This issue was curated by Romina Ramos and edited by Michaela Violet on the theme of Resistance. You can access the anthology here.  And if you’ve missed any previous issues, you can find our catalogue here. Submissions for the next issue will open in August for a September publication.

Announcing Burrs Area Heritage Walk

STOP PRESS: Date Change – first walk postponed until Wednesday 10th September! Join us for our Heritage walk around Burrs! Spaces are limited, so book soon to secure your spot. To book a place email: Pdf1@hotmail.co.uk. Further information including the start venue will be given on booking. Dates for Heritage Walks in other areas will be announced

The creative struggle: Autism and the Arts

As a grassroots arts, culture and heritage organisation ourselves, we were delighted to be invited by Bolton-based filmmaker, Brett Gregory, to support his documentary that celebrates the life, challenges and poetry of Horwich local, Peter Street. Our very own Peter Firth, with his soft and melodious Bolton accent, was a perfect choice as narrator for

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