WHILE lockdown is posing unprecedented challenges for the entertainment sector, several new bars and venues are coming to the borough.

Ramsbottom is set welcome a new craft ale bar and venue, opened by Lancashire brewery Northern Whisper.

The bar, located on the corner of Bridge Street and Bolton Street, had been due to open for business in April but was forced to put this on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It will sell a range of the brewery’s own beers and ales and also plans to put on acoustic gigs and be a hub for big screen sporting action.

Josh Vines, co-owner of Northern Whisper, said: “We can’t wait to get open as soon as we can.

“The bar is ready it’s just sitting there and waiting for the Government advice to change. The minute we can open we will.”

Also preparing to open its new outlet is Wax and Beans.

The independent record store opened at The Art Picture House ­in Haymarket Street last summer and proved an instant smash hit.

Its success has prompted the store’s owners to move larger premises in Market Street, which are set to open some time in July.

Ben Soothill, Wax and Beans’ owner, said he and co-owner Louise Jackson are “really excited to get going.”

He added: “The new premises will give or five us six times more space. But it’s not too big so we won’t lose the atmosphere of people getting together and chatting.”

The relocated Wax and Beans will span the ground and first floors of its new building, and, alongside vinly records and coffee, the new store is adding a food menu.

The store will also boast a new collapsible stage, which will be set up several times a month for gigs, creating the space for performances from full bands as well as acoustic sets. And they are hoping to host socially distanced gigs as soon as they are able.

Mr Soothill said: “We’ve got loads of really cool ideas and the great thing is we’ve got the space to do them now.”

Meanwhile the future remains uncertain for popular Prestwich venue The Longfield Suite. Last year it was revealed the civic hall ­— which regularly plays host to gigs — could be knocked down as part of multi-million pound regeneration plans. But councillors and campaigners have demanded that the venue must be replaced by another Prestwich facility, if it is to close.