Live from Worktown is a voluntary group which was established in 2014 to promote identity, heritage and community arts in Bolton. With a membership of 20, it has worked in partnership with a number of organisations including Bolton Council and The Octagon Theatre.

2017 marked 25 years since the death of Bill Naughton, Bolton’s most famous and successful writer. Much of his writing is about Bolton – a Bolton described so openly and accurately, local people can picture it easily. As many people in Bolton had forgotten Naughton, the project helped to raise awareness not only of his work but also of the documents in the Bill Naughton Collection in Bolton History Centre and the records of Mass Observation.

The project’s most notable achievement was the Bill Naughton information shop situated in Bolton’s major shopping centre, featuring a walk-around display of Bill Naughton’s life and a mock-up life-size 1930s front room.

A team of volunteers were involved in advising the public on Bill Naughton's legacy, conducting guided walks and accompanying outreach presentations and exhibitions.

The project has left a legacy which includes a biography, a DVD, a website and a specially-commissioned jazz suite.

Explore more on the project website.