Latest news

Come celebrate St George's Day! 🎺

It was St George's Day on Thursday - a time to celebrate all things good about England.

Here at BoroughLife, we reckon one of those things is definitely our music... and if you agree, then don't forget to head to Mesnes Park this Sunday (26 April) for a free concert courtesy of the Higham Brothers Benevolunt Fund.

From 2pm-4pm, the combined bands of The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band and The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will be at the historic bandstand playing a mix of classic songs.

Earlier the same morning, the annual St George’s Day Parade will be in Wigan, organised by Wigan and District Scout Council. It will leave Mesnes Park at 11am and make its way to the town centre via Bridgeman Terrace, Mesnes Street, Standishgate and Market Place, ending at Wigan All Saints’ (Parish) Church where there'll be a service everyone is welcome to attend. 

The parade's open for everyone to watch, though participation is limited to those involved in local scouting and guiding organisations only.

Please be aware roads will close for around an hour during the parade. Meanwhile, seating in the church service will be prioritised for young people and volunteers from scouting and guiding organisations.

Get the lowdown on the elections 🗳️

Election day is fast approaching and the latest episode of our BoroughLife Podcast has everything you need to know, thanks to the council's elections team.

All the candidates have been confirmed for each of the borough's 25 wards, with voting taking place on Thursday 7 May. Remember, you'll need photo ID to vote.

If you've applied for a postal vote, it should arrive in the next few days - so please keep a look out. 👀

In other news...

🏠 Wigan Council has implemented two partial closure orders in a bid to clamp down on persistent anti-social behaviour. The courts granted one order at 10 Plane Avenue, Worsley Hall, and another at 14 Langdale Crescent in Orrell, both of which are in place until July. A partial closure order has also been extended at a council-owned flat at 28 Cecil Street Leigh to prevent anti-social behaviour, nuisance, and disorder.

🏋️ Wigan resident Nigel Brookwell will embark on an incredible 'painathon' for a beloved local charity this summer, pulling a barge from Wigan Pier to Crooke, with other barges following in support. Raising money for Daffodils Dreams CIC, Nigel will follow his barge pull with a walk to Sherrington's in Swinley with 35kg on his shoulders, and then trek on his hands and knees to The Boar's Head in Standish. The challenge will take place on Friday 27 June, and you can make a donation here.

🧑‍⚕️ The NHS has begun its spring vaccination programme for people who need extra protection from COVID-19. Jabs are now being offered to all adults aged 75 and over, as well as residents in care homes for older people and individuals who are immunosuppressed (aged six months-plus). Check the NHS website to discover where you can get a convenient walk-in vaccination without needing an appointment. Or, if you prefer, you can book a vaccination online or by using the NHS app.

📢 A Government consultation is underway on possible new restrictions on smoking and vaping. The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking views on proposals to extend smoke-free places restrictions to certain outdoor public places and to introduce heated tobacco-free and vape-free places restrictions in England. You can have your say by completing an online survey before 11.59pm on Friday 8 May 2026.

💚 A new Be Well newsletter will be launching next month. As well as sharing all the latest news, events and community activities happening across the borough, there’ll also be feel good stories and amazing offers exclusive to subscribers. The first issue will be coming soon so sign up now so you don’t miss it!

What's on

Sensory Connections Day in Leigh ❤️

Do you or someone you know experience hearing or vision impairment? If so, make sure to join Wigan Council at their Sensory Connections Day in Leigh next month.

You’ll have the chance to meet and speak with a wide range of organisations supporting people with hearing and vision impairments. Professionals looking to find out more about the sensory services are also very welcome.

Services attending include the council's sensory team, the RNIB, Guide Dogs, Audiology, Wigan Deaf Services and more.

📅 Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
⏰ Time: Drop in anytime between 1pm-4pm
📍 Location: Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB

If you have any specific requirements, please contact Wigan Council’s sensory team:
📞 Call: 01942 828787
📱 Text: 07738144746
📧 Email: das-sensory@wigan.gov.uk

Two qualified BSL interpreters will be available throughout the event.
Refreshments will be provided and parking is available on site.

More what's on...

🏁 Be Well's free family fun day Cycle Three Sisters returns to Three Sisters Circuit on Wednesday 6 May (3pm-8pm) with lots of FREE activities on and off the track. As always there’ll be bikes available to borrow and ride around the course, plus balance bikes and cycle skills for children, adapted cycles for people with a range of disabilities, and other attractions such as a climbing wall, archery, giant bubbles and stalls. There will also be a dedicated 1.30pm to 2.45pm slot for balance bikes, bikes with stabilisers, and adapted bikes on the main circuit. Find out more on the Be Well website.

🍻 Wigan & Leigh Hospice's much‑loved Wigan Pub Walk returns on Saturday 16 May. Participants will take on an eight‑mile route through Wigan, stopping off at a fantastic line‑up of pubs, many of which will be offering exclusive deals to registered walkers wearing their event t‑shirts and wristbands. All walkers are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the hospice. To register your interest in being part of the day, please email fundraising@wlh.org.uk.

🥾 The Big Wigan Walk Week is coming… with around 50 FREE organised group walks taking place across the borough from 23-31 May – including nature-themed strolls around our beautiful local green spaces and walking routes of historical interest. Spaces are already starting to fill up, so don’t miss out! Browse what’s on using the free Be Well app or online booking portal, or find out more on the Be Well website.

⛵ Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club are hosting their annual open day on Saturday 9 May. You can try out a free sailing session on Pennington Flash, or watch from the shore as the kids (7+) take on a new challenge! You'll also be able to immerse yourself in the thrill of a boat race as junior and club members go head to head, showcasing their skills... plus there'll be facepainting, food and drinks available from The Galley and lots more activities throughout the day. Find out more about the event here.

🌱 Join Wigan-based artist and researcher Alex Shaw at Wigan Museum on Saturday 9 May (11am-12pm) for a hands-on workshop exploring the hidden connections between water, soil and landscape. ‘From Bog to Brook: Tracing the Hidden Journeys of Water’ brings together art, ecology and local history in a fascinating and interactive way – with simple demonstrations and creative activities for curious minds. Book your FREE ticket now via eventbrite.

⛏️ Listen to a talk on the Golborne Mining Disaster by men who were there. On 18 March 1979, a tragic explosion at Golborne Colliery killed 10 miners and profoundly impacted the local community, defining its mining history. You can hear first-hand accounts from miners who were working on that fateful day at Wigan Museum on Saturday 16 May (12-1pm). Tickets are just £3.50 and are available to book via eventbrite.

Our communities

Happy 95th Birthday Dorothy! 🎂

A much‑loved Wigan & Leigh Hospice shop stalwart has just marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 95th birthday with the help of staff and her fellow volunteers.

Dorothy, from Leigh, has been a constant at the Bradshawgate shop since 1990. Known for her warmth, humour and unwavering dedication, she's become a treasured member of the Hospice community and a familiar figure to local shoppers.

The Hospice's retail development manager Jane Dutton said: "Dorothy is an absolute inspiration to all of us. Her commitment, energy and positivity are extraordinary, and she brings so much joy to our Bradshawgate shop." 💖

When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Dorothy said: "The company. You get so many lovely people coming in and we get used to the same people coming in and having a chat to them." 

Happy Birthday, Dorothy! 🥳

Get your free 'health MOT' 💚

You can get a FREE ‘health MOT’ and lots of advice at Robin Park Leisure Centre’s next Health and Wellbeing Open Day on Friday 15 May (10am-2pm).

There’ll be free NHS mini health checks without appointment, plus body composition scans from the Be Well team who’ll also be giving away free 14-day passes for their seven local leisure centres.

As usual, there’ll also be tons of stalls offering information and guidance on a whole range of topics – from breast, bowel and prostate cancer screening, to mental wellbeing, getting online, healthy employment and income maximisation.

And for men aged 64 or over, the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Service will be on hand with free, potentially life-saving ultrasound scans (by appointment only).

Don't miss SEND Local Offer Live! ✨

SEND Local Offer Live returns to Leigh's Progress with Unity Stadium on Monday (27 April) with drop‑in sessions from 10am-2pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm.

Focused on SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) support, the event includes a marketplace of services and a range of informative workshops.

Here's what parents and carers said about last year's event:

👩‍👧‍👦 "It was a very helpful event for my children."

😊 "The people are really friendly."

✅ "SO much information available, very well put together."

🙌 "A brilliant day and opportunity."

Everyone is welcome, no booking required, and a quiet space will be available throughout.

More from our communities...

❤️ The Hub CIC hosts a Carers HUB on the second Wednesday of every month (1pm-3pm), offering support, information and a friendly shared space for carers looking after people living with dementia. The next sessions are on 13 May and 10 June both with a chat about ‘living with dementia’. You'll find The Hub CIC at 30E Bond Street, Leigh, WN7 1BP.  Find out more on The Hub CIC website.

😩 Do you suffer with back pain? If so, there’s an event at Orrell’s Edge Hall Community Stadium on Monday 27 April (10.30am-12.30pm) that’s for you! A free education session by local Primary Care Networks will help you understand causes of back pain and learn tips and ways to manage it. You can also ask questions and get expert advice. The event will also feature NHS health checks, guidance on exercise and healthy living from Be Well, healthy employment support from WorkWell and help with social issue from community link workers. Book your free place online.

🤱 Anya is a 24/7 pregnancy, parenting, and baby feeding app, free for residents in Wigan Borough. It offers personalised tips, trusted guidance, and specialist support synced to your baby’s age. The app includes practical toolkits such as ‘Life with a Newborn’, ‘Dads and Co-parents’, and the new ‘First Foods’ guide. To unlock free premium access until your baby turns 2, download the Anya app and sign up with your Wigan Borough postcode.

🧗 Looking for a career that’s a real adventure? Here’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! Be Well Outdoors are looking for an Assistant Lakes Team Manager to help lead the day-to-day operation of their stunning Low Bank Ground activity centre up in the Lake District! You’ll be an important part of a team delivering safe, high‑quality outdoor adventure and residential experiences for schools, groups and other visitors. So if you’re passionate about the outdoors, find out more and apply on the Greater Jobs website.

💦 Fancy helping others learn to swim? Wigan Life Centre are interested to hear from people who might like to train as a swim teacher and make a real difference. So if you love swimming and enjoy helping others grow, head to the Greater Jobs website to find out more about a career in leisure.

Here For You

Are you entitled to Child Benefit? 👩‍👧‍👦

Millions of families claiming Child Benefit will have seen an increase in their payments this month.

From 6 April, claimants will receive £27.05 per week (or £1,406.60 a year) for the eldest or only child, and £17.90 per week (or £930.80 a year) for each additional child, with no limit as to how many children parents can claim for. This is an annual increase of £52 and £33.80 respectively.

Latest figures show that while more than 6.9 million families across the country receive Child Benefit payments, only 72 per cent of families claimed it in their baby’s first year.

A Child Benefit claim can only be backdated for up to three months from the date your claim is received by HMRC, which means that thousands of families are missing out.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) encourages those yet to claim to use the HMRC app or go online to claim theirs today. You can sign in or set up an account on the gov.uk website.