A CELEBRATION weekend to mark the transformation of the Octagon will go ahead as planned ­— for now.

The Octagon Theatre has temporarily shut its cafe and base in the Market Place Shopping Centre, but plans for July's celebration to officially declare the new building open are on still on track, unless the fast-moving situation changes.

Bolton Hospice has postponed a number of high profile events until the autumn in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a joint statement, Roddy Gauld, chief executive of the Octagon, and Lotte Wakeham, artistic director, said: "In light of the advice from the Government to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 we have taken the decision to temporarily close our unit at the Market Place Shopping Centre.

"The cafe will not be open and the box office will be closed for in person bookings.

"Our creative engagement groups ­—including Youth Theatre, Bridges, Artbeat, Women's Group and The Academy ­— have also been suspended."

A spokesman said that plans to celebrate the opening of the new build were still going ahead unless the situation changed, with latest information regularly being posted on the Octagon website

Tickets for autumn shows can be bought online or over the phone.

The statement continued:“During this difficult and uncertain time we will do our best to support our staff as well as the communities we serve.

“We’re currently looking at ways to deliver the some online content to keep people entertained during this period."

Bolton Hospice has postponed its fundraisers, Strictly Learn to Dance Final, Ladies Lunch and Midnight Memories Walk in June in light of the current situation.

All events have been postponed until the autumn.

A spokesman said: “We hope you can continue to support us in this unprecedented situation. The postponement of our key events will have a huge impact on our income.

" If you are able to support the hospice by donating however much you can afford at this difficult time, it will help ensure our patients and their family members can continue to receive the vital care they need.”