One of the most exciting musical and cultural programmes ever held in the borough is almost upon us and organisers, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, can’t wait to get the party started.
Some of the biggest names in the UK music scene will play in the grounds of Haigh Hall Country Park as part of the first ever Wigan Life Tuned-In Concerts this July.
Pop rockers McFly will kick off the five night open air concert series on Monday 5 July followed by N-Dubz/Alesha Dixon on Tuesday 6 July, Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins on Wednesday 7 July and pop girl band The Saturdays will perform on Thursday 8 July.
The Friday night finale will see Irish pop superstar Ronan Keating take to the stage. There will also be a chance to be wined and dined at the historic manor house beforehand.
As if that myriad of stars isn’t enough, Wigan’s world renowned International Jazz Festival is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a star-studded line-up that includes American Jazz vocalist Curtis Stigers, trumpet legend Bobby Shew, Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander and the godfather of British Jazz Stan Tracey to name just a few.
“The sheer scale and quality of what’s being offered this year is breathtaking,” said cabinet member for culture Brian Baldwin, “There is no better year to get involved in a cultural activity and enjoy yourself.”
Wigan’s hugely popular, and free, Haigh Fest kick starts these two weeks marking Wigan’s summer of sound. The annual celebration of the borough’s best unsigned acts returns for its eighth year in the grounds of Haigh Hall on Sunday 4 July.
Line-up includes American Jazz legend Curtis Stigers
Wigan Life’s Tuned-In concerts follow for five nights with the 25th anniversary of Wigan International Jazz Festival starting on Saturday 10 July. But it’s not just music that residents can tune-in to this summer. The hugely popular WOW festival returns to Alexandra Park, Hot On The Streets promises action packed street entertainment in Wigan and Leigh while the Turnpike Gallery host a sci-fi fan’s dream exhibition all about robots.
“We want people to enjoy the arts in Wigan and Leigh and engage in cultural activities,” said Rodney Hill, chief executive of Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, “This diverse and comprehensive programme offers those opportunities and we’d urge people to be part of it this summer.”
Win free tickets
Borough Life is giving readers the chance to be there for the great summer concert series by offering two tickets to the concert of your choice.
All you have to do it answer the following question:
What percentage of young people are now happier with their play areas according to a report in this edition of Borough Life?
E-mail your answers to: Borough Life
Or send your entry in on a postcard to: Tuned-In Competition, Borough Life, FREEPOST NWW3502A (no stamp required), Wigan, WN1 1XZ
Please specify which concert you would like the tickets for on your entry form, if you win.
The closing date for entries is Wednesday June 30.
What’s On at a cultural glance
Hot On The Streets – Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 June, Wigan Market Place – A treat for the streets with internationally acclaimed street theatre performing alongside home spun talent.
Haigh Fest – Sunday 4 July, Haigh Country Park – The annual celebration of Wigan Borough’s best unsigned bands.
Wigan Life “Tuned-In” Concerts – Monday 5 July to Friday 9 July, Haigh Country Park – See McFly, Katherine Jenkins, Ronan Keating, N-Dubz and Alesha Dixon and The Saturdays performing in the borough’s back yard. Tickets available from Ticketmaster on 0844 2774321. For more information visit the Concerts section of the WLCT website (external link)
VIP experiences also available for Katherine Jenkins, The Saturdays and Ronan Keating in the exclusive Haigh Hall. For more information contact the tourist information centre on 01942 825677.
Wigan International Jazz Festival – Saturday 10 July to Saturday 17 July, Robin Park. See some of the biggest names in jazz take to the stage as we celebrate 25 years of Wigan International Jazz Festival. Curtis Stigers, Booby Shew and Take 6 to name just a few.
Hots Festival – Wednesday 21 July to Saturday 24 July, Civic Square, Leigh – Feeling hot, hot, hot.
A veritable feast of comedy and mayhem from street acts and showcases from local dance troupes.
Art Factory: Robot – 21 July to 28 August, Turnpike Gallery, Leigh – Robots are taking over the gallery! Some are scary, some are funny. See life size replicas of robots, cyborgs and androids from Star Wars, I Robot and other Hollywood blockbusters.
WOW – Sunday 1 August, Alexandra Park, Wigan. Come along and take part in the flagship festival of the year. Join in the music, theatre, crafts and dance at this extravaganza celebration of diversity in our world.
