Latest news

An amazing summer in store 🤩

It's a big July here in Wigan Borough with lots going on for the whole family... From Haigh Live: Grassroots Edition, Picnic Brass, and WoodGruff & The Free Sprits over at Haigh Hall, to the Flashes Festival of Nature at Pennington Flash, Leigh Pride at Pennington Hall Park, and plenty more!

👇 Scroll on down to our What's On section to see what's happening and get all the details.

Wigan's new market to open in spring 🛍️

Wigan Council met with trader representatives this week to provide an update on the new market, including how it will operate once its open.

Following those conversations, we've now had confirmation the new Wigan Market at Fettlers will open in Spring 2027, allowing time for the council and traders to shape a venue that supports existing businesses and offers the best possible visitor experience in the town centre.

The timetable also means traders will have the opportunity to enjoy one final busy Christmas period in the current market before the new one opens.

Wigan Market forms the centrepiece of the wider Fettlers development and will bring the market back to the heart of Wigan town centre, creating a vibrant destination where people can shop, eat, meet and spend time together. We can't wait for it to be finished! 🤩

Wigan Museum ready for a revamp! 🔍

Wigan Museum temporarily closes this month (Saturday 25 July) as it prepares to undergo a complete transformation of its ground floor gallery to make way for a brand new exhibition.

Funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and set to open in Spring 2027, ‘Our Northern Soul’ will celebrate Wigan’s distinct personality, collections and stories shining a light on the diverse and evolving communities of the borough.

Work will be begin on co-creating the new exhibition with local people to help tell local stories and source local objects that capture the unique spirit of Wigan.

While the building is closed, the museum will move to some temporary venues across the borough - including a pop-up space in Makinson Arcade from September.

Meanwhile, Archives Wigan & Leigh will also be closed from Saturday 18 July to Monday 3 August for essential maintenance work. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

In other news...

🥳 Wigan Borough's latest Family Hub will be officially launched next Wednesday (15 July), with the whole community invited to come celebrate. You can find the Family Hub at Leigh on Walmesley Road, (WN7 1XL). From 3pm-7pm there'll be activities, giveaways and more - and you cam chat to the team and find out more about all the different activities, support and services you can find at your local Family Hub. Follow the Family Hub at Leigh on Facebook.

🗳️ A GM Mayoral Election is taking place across Greater Manchester on Thursday 30 July. Not registered to vote? You've got until 14 July to get it sorted. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 15 July, while applications for a proxy vote or free voter ID can be made until 5pm on 22 July. It only takes five minutes, so make sure to register now on the government website.

🍻 Avoid a penalty during the World Cup! If you're planning to watch the footy at a pub or a house party, make sure to arrange your lift or taxi before the match and leave your car at home. And remember, you could still be under the influence the morning after - so please plan ahead for your travel the next day. Drink or drug driving could lead to a criminal record, an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison, so it’s not worth the risk.

🏠 ICYMI: New rules for renting are now in force, with new rights for tenants who are renting privately. Key changes include: fixed term assured tenancies are banned, Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions are abolished, rent increases are limited to once a year, and discrimination against renters who have children or receive benefits is illegal. Visit the private rental tenant area on the Wigan Council website to find out more about what these changes mean for you, or to report any issues with your tenancy.

What's on

Ready to take The Leap?! 🚀

Looking for new thrills this summer? Introducing The Leap… the latest adrenaline‑charged addition at Haigh Woodland Park!

Climb up, take a breath… and go for it!!! This untethered 6‑metre jump from a high platform onto a giant inflatable crash mat is all about conquering fear, unleashing confidence, and chasing that unbeatable rush.

The Leap is now available every Saturday as part of Haigh High Ropes & Adventure’s brand‑new Adrenaline Extreme experience for ages 8+. Designed for fearless thrill‑seekers, it’s the ultimate way to test your limits and feel the rush.

For younger kids, check out the Adrenaline Explorer experience (ages 5+) that’s perfect for budding adventurers, with low ropes and fun climbing activities.

Don’t miss out… book now using the Be Well app or online booking site (select ‘Be Well Outdoors’ and ‘Haigh High Ropes’).

Nature Festival back at the Flash 🦆

Nature lovers can celebrate the wild and wonderful world of the ‘Flashes of Wigan and Leigh’ at the Flashes Festival of Nature next weekend. 

Head to Pennington Flash on Sunday 19 July (11am-4pm) for:

🌳 Forest school activity zone with Wild Nurture CIC

 📖 Story trail experiences

 💭 Mindful activities with Mindful by Nature

 📷 Photography exhibition and A.J.Critch Wildlife workshops

 🚶‍➡️ Nature walks

🏹 Archery, axe throwing and climbing wall with Be Well Wigan

 🦢 Guides and demos from Leigh Ornithological Society

🎨 Creative activities from Down to Earth

👜 Artisan stalls and local makers

Entry is free, and you don't need a ticket, although some of the activities on the day may incur a small cost.

It's nearly time for Leigh Pride! 🌈

Everyone is invited to come along to Leigh Pride - a free event on Saturday 25 July (12 noon - 9pm) at Pennington Hall Park.

There'll be live music and entertainment throughout the day, an artisan and community market featuring lots of arts and crafts, a bouncy castle park, hot food stalls, a café and bar, and a BBQ hosted by partners Caffeina Café.

Bring a blanket or camping chair, and even a picnic if you like, and enjoy the day! Any funds raised will help this not-for-profit event to continue and will also support local animal rescue charities. 

Thanks to all the local businesses and organisations that support this event including Fundraising4Rescues and Bouncin Mad, Leigh.

More what's on...

🎸 Get ready for an unforgettable day of live music, fresh talent, and vibrant atmosphere at Haigh Live: Grassroots Edition this Saturday (11 July). Happening from 2pm-9pm, it'll be a celebration of the region’s most exciting emerging artists, set in the stunning surroundings of Haigh Woodland Park - with an eclectic mix of local acts, and a focus on community, creativity, and connection. Book your tickets on the online booking site.

🌻 Love Parks Week (24 July - 2 August) is coming and, to celebrate, Be Well has week of fun FREE parks activities for all ages and abilities - including Tennis, Pickleball, Bowls, 'Walk and Talks’, Ladies football, 'Weigh in Rugby', Explore and Play sessions, Park Gym, Foot Golf and Disc Golf, Petanque and more! Check out what’s happening at your local park using the Be Well app or online booking site (select 'community venues' and parks').

🚴 Cycle Three Sisters returns to Ashton-in-Makerfield on Tuesday 4 August (3pm*-8pm) with lots to enjoy on and off the track courtesy of the Be Well team. You can ride as a family on Three Sisters Circuit, plus there’s cycle skills and a balance bike track for kids, adapted cycles, e-bikes, cycling stalls, giant bubbles, a climbing wall and more. There’s also an early start (1.30pm-2.35pm) for balance bikes, bikes with stabilisers and adapted bikes ONLY on the main circuit. Find out more on the Be Well website.

🤸 Howe Bridge Leisure Centre’s holiday activity camps will be back for the school summer holidays. With indoor rock climbing, skateboarding, swimming, adventure play, team games and sports for ages 5-12, these popular camps always fill up quickly - so book now or risk missing out! Full day slots (8.30am-4.30pm) available Mon-Fri from 20 July to 28 August, just £18 per child per day. You can book using the Be Well app or online booking site. Alternatively, call Howe Bridge Leisure Centre on 01942 870403 or pop in and speak to reception.

🌳 Step beyond the stage and into the magic of the woods, and join WoodGruff & The Free Spirits for an immersive woodland adventure. This interactive family experience begins on stage at Haigh and then takes you - literally - into the enchanting woodland surroundings. Suitable for families and children of all ages. Various dates are available between 22 July - 2 August. Book your tickets now.

🏉 The Betfred Wheelchair Rugby League Challenge Cup Final is coming to Wigan! Watch defending champs Halifax Panthers tackle Leeds Rhinos at Robin Park Leisure Centre on Saturday 25 July (kick-off 3pm). This sport needs to be seen to be believed… and now’s your chance! Tickets are just £11 for Adults and £16 for Under 16s. Book online and secure your seat now.

Our communities

Please respect the water 🛟

It's set to be another hot one this weekend and we're reminding everyone to be safe and respect the water. 

Temperatures will reach highs of 30C over the weekend, and while it may be tempting to take a dip, unauthorised swimming is not allowed across open water in the Wigan Borough.

Jumping into open water can be fatal as cold water shock kills and you don't know what's lurking beneath the surface.

Watch our video with Stan from the Be Well Outdoors team at Scotman's Flash who tells us more about 'Phone, Float, Throw' - it could save a life. 

You have a right to ask 💜

If you're worried about a partner's behaviour, Clare's Law (the Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme) gives you the right to ask police if they have a history of violence or abuse.

Friends, family members and loved ones can also raise concerns if they're worried about someone's safety.

No one should face abuse alone. Love Is Not Abuse. You can make a request by:

📞 Calling 101
👮 Visiting a police station
💻 Applying online through your local police force
🤝 Speaking to a domestic abuse support service via the council website.

More in our communities...

🎟️ Have you recived your HAF voucher? If your child is eligible for targeted free school meals, you should have had an e-voucher allowing you to book free activities as part of this summer’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. If not, make sure to speak to your school before the end of term. Got your voucher? Choose from a full range of fun activities at holidayactivities.com. Lots of places are also available on a paid-for basis – including Be Well’s exciting holiday camps at Robin Park Leisure Centre that have tennis, gymnastics, rebound therapy and more! You can find out more about HAF programme on the council website.

💪 Score your fitness goals this summer with the help of one month FREE on a Be Well Fitness membership*! Includes unlimited gym, group ex classes, swimming and sports sessions across all seven Be Well leisure centres – plus steam rooms and saunas to relax and recharge, and a free PT session and ongoing support to achieve your goals. To unlock your discount, sign up now using code BEWELLSUMMER26 (*excludes Be Well Fitness Flex).

📣 Have you followed the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership Facebook page yet? Stay up to date with all the latest community safety news and advice for the Wigan Borough. From summer safety advice, to updates on how the partnership keeps your neighbourhood safe, the Facebook page is the best place to stay in the loop and get in touch for more information.

❤️ Thinking about growing your family through adoption? Come along to a Together for Adoption online information session, and find out how they can support you on this journey. Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or simply want to learn more, you’re very welcome. Book your free ticket on eventbrite now.

🏆 It’s time to submit your nominations for this year’s Believe Sports Awards, Wigan Borough's annual celebration of grassroots sport! If you know an inspirational achiever, unsung hero or successful club from your community who deserves recognition, make sure to nominate them via the Be Well website.

Here For You

We're here for you in the heat ☀️

It's been another hot one this week and Wigan Borough Libraries are operating as 'cool spaces' - a cool and comfortable place to relax, read, use the computers or simply take a few moments away from the sun.

Free drinking water or juice is available to help across all the borough's libraries. Find your closest library on the council website.

Meanwhile, if you're not already aware, the energy regulator Ofgem recently announced the energy price cap would rise 13 per cent from 1 July - that's around £18 a month for the average household using both gas and electricity.

If you're worried about the impact this could have, please don’t suffer alone. There is help, support and advice out there.

Our Here for You campaign has already seen £17 million unlocked for local residents, with events across the borough and dedicated support at our Life Centres and libraries to help people understand what they’re entitled to.