Thursday 29th May 2008
(ref:
158/2008)
It’s to time to celebrate the great things about Wigan!
And what better way of doing it than with a big party?
That’s exactly what Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust will be doing on Sunday June 15.
Oh, and you’re all invited.
Made in Wigan will be a unique experience staged in the historical epicentre of the borough – the Wigan Pier Quarter.
The free event will toast some of those things the borough does really well and the rest of the world enjoys.
Coming from the iconic Trencherfield Mill Courtyard, Made in Wigan, will run from noon until 5pm and would be a great Father’s Day treat for any family.
Topping the bill with a gala performance will be the borough’s very own King of Swing Andy Prior.
Musician, conductor and television star Andy will be performing for everyone’s pleasure on a bill that also features one of the borough’s other great musical exports, the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.
The music for the event is seen as a taste of the good things to come as part of this year’s Wigan International Jazz Festival. The nine days of cool from July 11 to 19 puts Wigan in the global spotlight when, with a range of national and international artists, the borough becomes the world capital of jazz.
Also performing on the big day is the Wigan Pier Theatre Company’s youth group. The borough’s next generation of acting talent will be giving excerpts from a production written especially for them, all about what it means to be from Wigan.
The event is being supported by the company currently developing the Trencherfield Mill site, Stuart Milne Homes, and it will offer a great chance to see the 100-year-old mill and its surroundings in all their renovated glory.
Simon Kensdale from the council’s Economic Regeneration Office, explains:
“The event will showcase the musicianship that Wigan is famous for today, against an impressive backdrop reminding us of its industrial past.”
Continuing the theme of Wigan at its best, there will be a chance for all visitors to see the majestic Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine – the largest of its kind in the world – in full working glory for free.
Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith says:
“There are many misconceptions about our borough. You could say that Wigan’s the typical northern town that really isn’t a typical northern town.
“Premiership football, Super League Rugby, world class talent in music and the arts, a jazz festival to rival any in the world.
“We’re also a great place to visit, relax, shop and enjoy. Our rich cultural and natural heritage means that we are a tourist destination that grows more popular each year.
“Made in Wigan aims to capture the essence of everything that’s great about Wigan and really shout about it.
“It promises to be a really good day out and whether you’re from Wigan or not, you’ll be made to feel very welcome.”
- Made in Wigan takes place between noon and 5pm on Sunday June 15 at the Trencherfield Mill Courtyard and is free.
- The Wigan International Jazz Festival takes place between Friday July 11 and Thursday July 19 at various venues.
- For more information on these and other events taking place in Wigan Borough visit Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s website or call Wigan’s Tourist Information Centre on 01942 825677.
