The Believe Stars launched in 2012, with a walk of fame in Leigh on Civic Square and in Wigan on Believe Square.
The stars are awarded to living residents who have used their platform for good. From major sports stars who have helped shape local sport to medical professionals who have saved the lives of residents. The star is the highest accolade awarded to a resident of Wigan Borough.
Leigh stars
- Leigh Centurions – Rugby League Club - 2015
- Alex Murphy OBE – Rugby League Legend - 2015
- Georgie Fame – Gee thanks for Leigh, Lancs - 2015
- John Woods – Rugby League Legend - 2017
- Richard Waterfield – Local Family Baker - 2017
- Trevor Barton MBE – Serving Our Community - 2017
- Pam Gilligan – Compassion in Action - 2017
- NHS and KEY WORKERS - For their response to the Coronavirus pandemic - 2021
- Joe and Margaret Galvin – Leigh Harriers - 2022
- Keely Hodgkinson - Olympic Athlete - 2023
Wigan stars
- John Winnard MBE – Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls - 2012
- Stuart Maconie – Writer and Broadcaster - 2012
- Jenny Meadows – Great Britain Athlete - 2012
- Dave Whelan – Wigan Athletic Owner and Youth Patron - 2013
- Ian Lenagan - Wigan Warriors Owner and Training Champion - 2013
- Shaun Edwards OBE – Rugby Player and Coach - 2013
- Dr Nayyar Naqvi OBE – Heart Specialist - 2013
- Roberto Martinez – FA Cup Winning Manager - 2013
- Ian McKellen - Actor - 2015
- Billy Boston MBE – Rugby League Legend - 2015
- Barbara Nettle – Community Champion - 2016
- Trish Green – Founder of Brick, Champion of homeless - 2017
- The Queen’s Own Yeomanry - 2018
- The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment - 2018
- Shaun Wane – Wigan Warriors RL Coach Legend - 2019
- Martin Ainscough CBE DL - Business Entrepreneur and Youth Patron - 2019
- Dr Kate Fussell – Wigan’s First Female Surgeon - 2020
- NHS and KEY WORKERS - For their response to the Coronavirus pandemic - 2021
- Joseph’s Goal - 2022
- Joining Jack - 2023
- Wigan Youth Zone - 2023
How can someone apply for a star?
A maximum of two stars are awarded each year – one in Leigh and one in Wigan.
Submissions must be made online and will be shortlisted and considered on an annual basis.
The final decision will be made by the leader of Wigan Council and the cabinet member for communities.