Dial Up Decades: 75 Free Tickets for Bolton Frontline Heroes

Key Points

• The Dial Up Decades event, an 80s-themed retro music night, will be hosted at Rubica nightclub on Deansgate in Bolton town centre this Friday, February 6, 2026, from 8pm until 1am.
• Organised by community local media network Bolton Live, the event aims to raise funds for Homeless Aid UK and Bolton Live’s community media projects.
• A limited number of 75 free tickets are available exclusively for NHS, emergency service, and care workers, who can claim up to four complimentary tickets per person.
• Bolton Live editor Pete Hopkinson is hosting alongside DJ Nat, James from BL Music, and The Hopkinsons, delivering iconic 80s anthems and dancefloor favourites.
• Rubica, previously the home of Popworld, opened its doors in December 2025.
• Eligible frontline and care workers can book free tickets by texting Pete Hopkinson on 07546 981136.
• Early booking is encouraged due to strong community backing and limited availability.
• Pete Hopkinson emphasises the event’s dual focus on nostalgia and supporting vulnerable people and creative opportunities in Bolton.

Bolton (Manchester Mirror) February 03, 2026 – The Dial Up Decades 80s edition promises a vibrant night of retro music and community spirit at Rubica nightclub on Deansgate, hosted by Bolton Live to raise funds for Homeless Aid UK and local media projects, with 75 free tickets reserved for NHS, emergency services, and care workers.

What Is Dial Up Decades and Where Is It Happening?

The Dial Up Decades event will be hosted at the 80s-themed nightclub Rubica on Deansgate in Bolton town centre this Friday. As detailed in the original announcement from Bolton Live, the event kicks off at 8pm on February 6 and is expected to continue until 1am. Rubica was previously the home of Popworld and opened its doors in December 2025, marking it as a fresh venue revitalising Bolton’s nightlife scene.

Music and entertainment on the night will be led by DJ Nat, James from BL Music, and The Hopkinsons themselves. They will deliver a soundtrack packed with iconic 80s anthems and dancefloor favourites. Pete Hopkinson, editor of Bolton Live, describes the event as promising “big tunes, feel-good energy, and a lively crowd”.​

Why Are Free Tickets Offered to Frontline Workers?

A key highlight is the allocation of 75 free tickets available before the event on Friday, specifically for NHS, emergency service, and care workers. Eligible frontline and care workers can claim up to four complimentary tickets per person by texting Pete Hopkinson on 07546 981136 to book. Pete Hopkinson states that this ticket donation is part of the event’s mission to “give back while bringing the community together for a night of nostalgia”.

This gesture recognises the tireless efforts of these workers, aligning with broader community support initiatives in Bolton. With strong community backing, early booking is encouraged to secure spots.​

Who Is Organising Dial Up Decades in Bolton?

The event is organised by the community local media network Bolton Live. Bolton Live editor Pete Hopkinson said: “Dial Up Decades is all about bringing people together through music and memories, but also using that energy to give back.” He added: “We’re proud to support Homeless Aid UK and Bolton Live Arts and Media Group, and especially proud to say thank you to our NHS, emergency service, and care workers with these complimentary tickets.”

Pete Hopkinson further explains that the event supports “two important causes that provide direct help to vulnerable people and creative opportunities in Bolton”. The involvement of The Hopkinsons as performers underscores the personal commitment from Bolton Live’s leadership.​

How Does the Event Support Local Causes?

Proceeds from the Dial Up Decades event will help raise money for Homeless Aid UK and for Bolton Live’s community media projects. Pete Hopkinson highlights the event’s role in channeling “that energy to give back” to these charities. This initiative reflects a growing trend in Bolton where nightlife venues combine entertainment with philanthropy, fostering community resilience.

The ticket donation for frontline workers complements these efforts, ensuring inclusivity for those on the frontlines of public service. Pete Hopkinson notes the event’s promise of a night filled with retro music to draw crowds while advancing these charitable goals.​

When and How Can You Book Tickets for Rubica’s 80s Night?

Dial Up Decades will take place at Rubica on Deansgate, Bolton at 8pm on Friday, February 6, 2026, and is expected to continue up to 1am. For free tickets, NHS, emergency service, and care workers should text Pete on 07546 981136, with up to four tickets available per person. General attendees are urged to book early given the limited free allocation and strong community interest.

Pete Hopkinson advises that “with a strong community backing and a limited number of free tickets available, early booking is encouraged”. This structure ensures broad accessibility while prioritising those in essential services.​

What Makes Rubica Bolton’s New Nightlife Hotspot?

Rubica, located on Deansgate, has quickly positioned itself as Bolton’s go-to 80s-themed venue since opening in December 2025 after the closure of Popworld. The nightclub’s transformation promises a dedicated space for nostalgic nights like Dial Up Decades. Its central town centre location enhances accessibility for locals and visitors alike.

The event’s lineup, featuring DJ Nat and James from BL Music, leverages Rubica’s fresh appeal to create a lively atmosphere packed with 80s hits. This debut of sorts for such themed events at the venue signals more community-driven nights ahead.​

Why Is Bolton Live Driving This Community Event?

Bolton Live, as the hosting community local media network, is at the helm, with editor Pete Hopkinson spearheading the effort. His statements emphasise unity: “Dial Up Decades is all about bringing people together through music and memories”. The organisation’s involvement extends to performances by The Hopkinsons, blending media influence with on-stage energy.

Bolton Live Arts and Media Group benefits directly, alongside Homeless Aid UK, highlighting the network’s commitment to local upliftment. Pete Hopkinson’s call for early bookings underscores the anticipated turnout.​

The Dial Up Decades 80s edition at Rubica exemplifies how Bolton’s cultural scene intertwines entertainment, charity, and appreciation for key workers. With a robust lineup and clear charitable focus, it invites the town to relive the 80s while contributing to vital causes. Frontline workers’ free access adds a heartfelt touch, ensuring broad participation in this nostalgic gathering.