Wigan has a fine and varied musical tradition. Now the borough has added Brazilian drum music to its repertoire, thanks to a group of youngsters called The Maracatooligans.
They get together once a week at Dorset Road Community Centre in Hag Fold to beat out the wild and exotic Latin American rhythms on traditional Brazilian drums and other percussion instruments.
Two grants from Wigan and Leigh Housing’s Tenant Participation team and Wigan Council have helped to keep the music flowing. One grant helped to pay the band’s rent at the community centre and the other funded drums and extra tuition for beginners.
Jen Brooks, a 20-year-old student and keen drummer who formed The Maracatooligans about 12 months ago, said: “A volunteer at the community centre completed our application for grant funding and we received the money soon after that. The extra money has really helped to keep us going and now we hope to attract more young people to the band.”
For more information about The Maracatooligans phone Jen Brooks on 07828 514440.
