Bold Street Festival puts on a party in the heart of the city to celebrate shopping spirit.

INDEPENDENT and irreverent, The Bold Street festival bounced back bigger and better in its second year.

Famed for its creative vibe and off beat charm, the street played host to thousands of visitors as it celebrated on Saturday.

Poets, street artists and chefs all turned out to welcome shoppers.

And a small pop up cinema appeared in the empty unit next to Rapid Hardware, complete with its own plush velvet curtains and primly dressed usherettes.

The FACT artist in residence, Nina Edge, made sure that floral designs blossomed as she created her trademark murals in shop windows.

Even before visitor numbers were in, organisers said the event had grown.

Kate Cowie, of Utility and the Bold Street Traders Association said "It is reassuring to see Bold Street still thriving today - this is the reason why we want to celebrate the well-loved street that we all trade on."

* DON''T miss our full gallery of photos from the Bold Street Festival - www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/pictures

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Pictures: GAVIN TRAFFORD/ GAV260909ABOLDST-5 Owen Parle is given a windmill by a stiltwalker Code GAV260909ABOLDST-2 Code GAV260909ABOLDST-8