The Lathums help launch new cultural strategy for Wigan Borough

The Lathums help launch new cultural strategy for Wigan Borough

The Lathums perform at the official launch of 'The Fire Within - The Forge' at Wigan Pier

Culture and the arts will remain firmly in the spotlight after Wigan Borough’s new five-year master plan was unveiled with the help of The Lathums.

‘The Fire Within – The Forge’ will guide the work of the borough’s thriving cultural sector, building on the success of its predecessor, ‘The Fire Within’.

Created in partnership with the community, the cultural manifesto will focus on providing opportunities for young people and equipping residents with the right skills to launch careers in the cultural sector.

These objectives are in addition to promoting and hosting a wide range of cultural activities to allow everyone to showcase their creative skills.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “The success of the previous Fire Within manifesto is a source of pride and a great credit to our borough.

“It had wide-reaching impacts, changed perceptions of what we’ve got to offer and put Wigan Borough on the map within culture and arts circles.

“We’re very excited about what’s to come for ‘The Fire Within – The Forge’ and the next five years. Its aims will support our Progress With Unity missions; creating opportunities and contributing to flourishing neighbourhoods and communities.”

The Wigan Cultural Partnership hosted a launch event for the manifesto this week at Wigan Pier, featuring borough organisations Curious Minds, Everything Human Rights and Thick Skin Theatre – and a star turn from local chart-toppers The Lathums.

The band played a couple of hits including How Beautiful Life Can Be, the title-track of their UK No.1 debut album.

Speakers included the Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, chair of the Wigan Cultural Partnership Derri Burdon of Curious Minds and Lisa Nandy MP, secretary of state for culture, media and sport.

Derri Burdon, chair of the Cultural Partnership, said: "I’m proud that The Forge is the product of genuine partnership and deep listening. It honours Wigan’s resilience and identity, while raising our collective ambition for culture to be a driving force for pride, opportunity and regeneration across the borough, for everybody.”

‘The Fire Within – The Forge’ was approved by the full council earlier this year. Elected members were informed that its previous version had attracted £60m of investment into the borough’s cultural sector, with more than 300,000 residents engaging with its events programme.

The new manifesto will focus on providing cultural education and opportunities for young people; promote mental and physical wellbeing; provide skills and training for the creative industries; invest in local talent and spaces to showcase talent within the borough.

To read the cultural manifesto in full, please visit The Fire Within website (external link).