As part of the regeneration of Leigh Civic Square, the poem ‘Still-bright’ has been created to celebrate the stories, memories and spirit of Leigh and the people who call it home.
Created through a series of workshops with nine young people aged 12 to 18 from Leigh Young Writers, the poem reflects their thoughts on Leigh's history, identity and future. It shows how young people see the town and what it means to them.
‘Still-bright’ celebrates Leigh Civic Square, a place that has been at the heart of the community for many years. People have come together here for events, celebrations, public discussions and civic activities. As the town's central public space, the square gives residents a place to meet, share ideas and help shape Leigh's future.
The poem is inspired by this tradition of coming together. It recognises Civic Square not only as a physical space, but as a symbol of community, participation and positive change. It also reflects the aims of the regeneration project, helping to connect Leigh's history with its future.
Alongside new paving, seating, planting and enhanced event space, ‘Still-bright’ adds creativity to the transformation of Civic Square. It celebrates Leigh's history and identity while making sure that young people's voices become a lasting part of the town centre for years to come. Through ‘Still-bright’, Leigh Civic Square continues to be a place where communities gather, stories are shared and the future of the town is shaped together.
Still-bright
By Leigh Young Writers (2025)
Rain falls on smoothest setts
My friends and I giggle, paired in twos
For we have two umbrellas for the four of us
We stamp and stand and see
A garden so lush, the inside
A sweet yet melancholy thing
A flower is not something to be underestimated
A garden can be described in enough words
To fill a thousand libraries
This is the future we peel back like a concrete book
We will shift our stagnant bricks
Envision a future with our still-bright hearts
We will mark the stones with the people passing
Generations of the future and the past
Our roof tiles reflect the stars
And rain or snow, my town remains
The only constant here is change