By Rikki Loftus

HALF term is here so time to get out and about. 

Here are some suggestions of places to visit this week, as well as events to look forward to this summer. 

Bury Roller Rink

Spring Street (BL9 0BT Bury)

For the inevitable rainy days, Bury's roller rink is open seven days a week during the summer holidays and is a perfect way to waste an afternoon.

Prestwich Artisan Market

Longfield Centre (M25 1AY Prestwich)

June 4

Foodies rejoice - the market brings the finest suppliers of food and drink, offering experts in cheese and dairy, artisan bread, coffee and tea, cakes and baking and local produce. The market is also set to include unique crafts, pottery, illustrations and more.

Parklife

Heaton Park (M25 2SW Prestwich)

June 10-11

The major event on the festival calendar descends on Heaton Park in June, promising a weekend chocca full with tunes, with headline acts including Frank Ocean, The 1975, Stormzy and Jess Glynne.

ComedySportz

Ramsbottom Civic Hall (BL0 9AJ Ramsbottom)

June 10

Why not enjoy an evening out at the comedy? Watch two teams compete in an improvised comedy show inspired by "Whose Line is it Anyway?"

Bury Agricultural Show

Burrs Country Park (BL8 1DA Bury)

June 25

Burrs Park plays host to the 74th Bury Agricultural Show, presenting livestock shows with cattle, horses, donkeys, and sheep, as well as sheepdog displays, dog training and birds of prey. There are also plenty of attractions to keep you entertained throughout the day, including a fairground, tractor pull, army climbing wall and paintball.

Ramsbottom Summer Craft Fayre

Ramsbottom Civic Hall (BL0 9AJ Ramsbottom)

July 1-2

The first summer craft fayre plans to showcase local talent, bringing leading craft producers and designers to sell all kinds of individual gifts and crafts, from jewellery, paper and textiles to ceramics, wood, furniture and more.

The Big Grill Festival

Burrs Park (BL8 1DA Bury)

July 15-16

A meat lover's dream - the food fest brings epic scale barbecues, food challenges, craft ale, street food, meat smokers and cocktail bars - all with a side of live music.

Moss Bank Park

Moss Bank Way (BL1 Bolton)

On a normal day, this Bolton park offers lots of space and amusements for children, but it also runs fairgrounds throughout the summer - the ideal place to entertain the kids on a budget.

Guided Rail Ale Trail

Bolton Street Station (BL9 0EY Bury)

July 29

This 12 mile route along the entirety of the East Lancashire Railway provides the perfect excuse for a summer bevvy, stopping off along the way to try local ales as well as a pit stop at The Railway for a pub lunch.

Festwich

St Mary's Park (M25 1GG Prestwich)

July 29-30

Described as the UK’s biggest free tribute festival, Festwich promises to offer two days of the best tribute bands on the planet for like-minded festival revellers of all ages.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2017

Bolton Town Centre (BL1 Bolton)

August 25

August Bank Holiday weekend brings you the biggest foodie extravaganza in the North West, with over 200 stalls, a line-up of celebrity chefs and lots of live music - you're in for a treat.

Bolton Vegan Fair

Victoria Halls (BL1 2AS Bolton)

August 26

With over 60 stalls of vegan goodies, Bolton's vegan fair promises informative talks, cookery demonstrations and free food!

Bury's Family Fun Weekend

Bolton Street Station (BL9 0EY Bury)

August 26-28

The weekend invites families to join in the East Lancashire Railway for an activity day for all the kids.

Go Ape!

Rivington (BL6 7SB Horwich)

For something different, take your tribe on a tree top adventure. You can enjoy the scenic views of Rivington while taking on a variety of obstacles, zip wires and crossings among the trees.

Glaston-Bury

Bond Street (BL9 7BE Bury)

August 28

Bury's answer to Glastonbury promotes regional talent across several venues and bars in the area, with proceeds going to Bury Hospice - it's not to be missed.

Head For The Hills Festival

Ramsbottom Cricket Club (BL0 0BS)

September 15-17

The newly rebranded Ramsbottom Festival features three stages offering an electric mix of music, great arts and family shows. With scrumptious local food and ale and heaps of activities for all ages - there's no shortage of entertainment.