MARK Radcliffe is planning to take audiences on a musical journey of his home town when he returns this weekend.

The radio DJ and musician is one of the highlights of this week’s Horwich Music Festival.

Born and bred in Bolton, Mark has fond memories of his days frequenting local watering holes as a teenager before he headed off to study at the University of Manchester.

On return to home soil, the voice of BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music has taken it as a chance to reminisce.

He explains: “I have a song called The Old Stamping Ground about all the old pubs in Manchester which I have written a new variation for all about pubs in Bolton.

“I was going to reflect on my upbringing in Farnworth and Bolton.

“They include the Junction at Lostock by Lostock station, the tatty little Tetleys pub, Halliwell Lodge, some of the ones in the town - the Swan, Man n Scythe, Old Three Crowns, Gypsies Tent, Bob Smithy, Black Dog.

“Some of which are gone, some which are still here.

“It was sort of bittersweet to write, I was thinking about three friends from those days who are no longer here.

“We had no cares then but some of those lads wouldn’t live to be old men.

“But the song is by no means melancholy, it will be an upbeat evening.” Mark played his first gig at the Lostock Tennis Club in four-piece band Berlin Airlift.

He then left to study at university at the age of 18.

The former Markland Hill Primary and Bolton School student has gone on to do the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, form folk bands and front shows on Radio 2 and 6 – sharing an eclectic love of music, but especially folk.

His latest solo tour, .’.. should you be interested’ is a mix of his music and conversation.

It combines his songs with tales of his encounters with anyone from Paul McCartney and David Bowie to Noddy Holder.

Since becoming a presenter, musician and producer, the 58-year-old has not had as much opportunity to return to Bolton which is still home to some family.

He adds: “What amazes me every time I return to Bolton, is the size and scale of the muncipal buildings. The old post office is like a cross between Buckingham Palace and a Greek temple. there is an echo of the old grandeur.

“I’m still very proud of coming from there – I don’t see myself as a Mancunian, I’m a Boltonian.

“Certainly one of the attractions of the folk festival is that it’s so close to home. There’s live music going on all the time but the great thing about the festival is it’s a one off and brings something a little different to the community.”

Mark will be performing on the first night of the Horwich Music Festival this Friday from 6pm - 8.30pm at the Horwich Community Centre in Beaumont Road.

To find out more visit www.horwichmusicfestival.com.