THERE are just eight days to go before one of the biggest days in the history of Bury’s economy — the launch of the Rock leisure complex.

Today we can reveal exactly what you can expect from the £350m complex and what will be going on during the opening day — Friday July 16.

The unveiling promises to be an exciting community event — with an opportunity for shoppers to become world record breakers!

Organisers have prepared a feast of culture and community celebration, with Japanese drummers, award-winning rock musicians and dancers performing on an action-packed day of entertainment.

More than 180 children from schools across the borough will take part in a parade through the Rock while carrying flags adorned with artwork showing what Bury means to them.

They will be among the crowd attempting to earn a place in the Guinness World Record books for the most number of people playing air guitar in unison and were hard at work practising their skills this week.

The launch is the result of a decade of labour by project bosses, who cannot wait for the doors to finally open.

Rock centre director David Laycock said: “A great deal of work has gone in to creating the Rock and we are proud of what we have been able to achieve for Bury.

“We can’t wait to throw open the doors and get the public’s reaction “Alongside our own schedule of events for the day, the retailers will also have some exciting offers for shoppers to enjoy.

“The leisure operators also have some fun games planned for people as well as offers to keep people coming back to The Rock after launch, so no doubt there will be something for everyone to enjoy. We want to make it a day to remember.”

Organisers have placed 2,500 artificial rocks around the streets of Bury, Bolton, Rochdale and Rawtenstall. Each rock contains a unique code, which when entered on Facebook will reveal the finder’s winnings, which include shopping vouchers and a £500 diamond from Peter Jackson Jewellers.