TreeStory Exhibition
TreeStory: The Story of Wigan through its trees was launched to celebrate Wigan Borough’s 50th anniversary. Through input from local communities and with generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project invites you to discover and celebrate the trees that shape our borough’s landscape and heritage.
When: 23rd May to 6th September
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required
Make.Believe Exhibition
The Turnpike Gallery’s Make. Believe exhibition invites audiences to explore the stories, landscapes and communities of Higher Folds in Leigh, home to around 2,000 people. The project has been inspired by the generous and creative spirit of residents, and focuses on how they see, experience and shape where they live.
When: 27th May to 18th December
Where: The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required
ABBA Tribute Night at Leigh Sports Village
Get ready to dance, jive and have the time of your life as the ABBA Tribute Night returns to Leigh Sports Village. The ABBA Tribute Night will feature the incredible tribute duo Chick A Cheeta, followed by a live DJ. Tickets also include a delicious Greek buffet and arrival drink, for the unbeatable price of £29.95 per person.
When: Saturday 4th July, 7pm
Where: Leigh Sports Village Stadium
Tickets: Email Leigh Sports Village or call 01942 487819
Official opening of the Plantation Gates and Lodges
Come and explore the newly restored Plantation Gates and Lodges, opening to the public for the first time following a major renovation. This iconic landmark has been transformed into a visitor attraction, offering a unique opportunity to step inside and discover its rich heritage. Inside the North Lodge, visitors can experience an immersive eight-minute installation using light, sound and storytelling to bring Haigh’s history, landscape and community memories to life. Extended opening hours will be available across the opening weekend.
When: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July
Where: Plantation Gate, Wigan Lane
Tickets: Tickets are free, but booking is essential via Eventbrite (external link)
Tyldesley Carnival
Tyldesley Carnival 2026 promises a vibrant day of community celebration, bringing together families, local groups and visitors for a lively and inclusive event. Expect a colourful parade, live entertainment, music, food stalls, and activities for all ages, alongside opportunities to support local businesses and charities. From children’s rides and games to performances and community showcases, the carnival captures the spirit and pride of Tyldesley. It’s the perfect summer day out, celebrating local culture, creativity and togetherness in the heart of the community.
When: Sunday 5th July
Where: Tyldesley Rugby Club
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required
Haigh Live 2026: Grassroots Edition
Get ready for an unforgettable day of live music, fresh talent, and vibrant atmosphere. This one-day event brings together an eclectic mix of local acts, each bringing their own unique sound and energy to the stage. From indie anthems and gritty rock, to acoustic melodies and genre-blending performances, Haigh Live 2026 is all about championing the next wave of musical talent right on your doorstep. With a focus on community, creativity, and connection, this is more than just a gig - it’s a platform for grassroots music to thrive. Expect a friendly crowd, great energy, and plenty of memorable moments.
When: Saturday 11th July, 2pm to 9pm
Where: Walled Gardens, Haigh
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite (external link)
The Gatekeepers of Haigh - History Talk
Join Caroline Heaven as she tells the story of a brave solider and loyal servant - James Higson of Blackrod and Gatekeeper at Haigh Hall.
When: Sunday 12th July, 1pm to 3pm
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: £8.33, book the Gatekeepers of Haigh tickets (external link)
Bleak Expectations
A modern spoof on this Dickens classic. This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Nick Hern Books
When: 15th to 25th July
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: Book Bleak Expectations tickets (external link) or call 0333 666 3366
Flashes Festival of Nature
Pennington Flash forms part of The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, the first National Nature Reserve in Greater Manchester and you are invited to spend a fun-filled day at its annual showcase for a day of nature-themed activities. Come along and learn more about the abundance of wildlife that resides in and around this amazing site and it’s importance to our landscape, through a range of activities that include guided walks, stalls, arts and crafts and much more.
When: Sunday 19th July
Where: Pennington Flash, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, some activities may incur a small charge
Woodland Spa Days
Mindful Events aim to provide an enjoyable and non-judgmental environment for anyone wishing to ease their minds through guided mindfulness exercises in nature. Each session lasts for two hours and includes a gentle walk practising the power of pause, a self-heating eye mask, 1:1 crown chakra healing treatment, group reiki, guided mindfulness meditation and a nature-inspired sound bath.
When: 19th July, 20th September. Sessions 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, meet outside the visitor centre
Tickets: £15 per person, available via Mindful Me Events (external link)
The History of Haigh tour with Jim Meehan
Join Jim in the Haigh Community Room for a history talk on the hall, its estate, and the people who kept it running. Then enjoy a walk to key estate locations to discover how the estate operated and learn more about the people behind it. This is a free event with Jim taking donations on the day for Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Car park charges will apply.
When: Sunday 19th July and Sunday 23rd August 1pm to 3pm
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free tickets available via Eventbrite (external link)
WoodGruff and The Free Spirits
Step beyond the stage and into the magic of the woods in this immersive woodland adventure. Join WoodGruff and The Free Spirits for an interactive family experience that begins on stage and then takes you - literally - into the enchanting woodland surroundings. Blending live theatre, music, playing in the woods and interactive storytelling, this is a truly immersive experience that celebrates imagination and nature. Suitable for families and children of all ages.
When: Various dates between 22nd July and 2nd August
Where: Event Field, Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Available now via Eventbrite (external link)
Twilight nature and bat walk
Join our bat experts for a twilight nature and bat walk around Haigh Woodland Park. It will begin with a fascinating introduction to the bats of Haigh, followed by a guided walk through the woodland where our experts will stop at various points to talk about the trees, wildlife, insects, and fungi and answer any questions. When dusk falls, you will be supplied with a bat detector to tune in as they swoop and feed over the park. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a torch! Children are free with a full paying adult.
When: Thursday 23rd July, 7pm to 9pm
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, meet at the visitor centre
Tickets: £7.50, book via Eventbrite (external link)
Pride in Leigh
Join us for a fabulous day filled with artisan stalls, bouncin’ mad castles, live music, a bar, and delicious food. You're welcome to bring your own gazebo if you'd like, but everything else you need will be there. It’s a day to celebrate love, unity, and the incredible spirit of our community. Whether you're LGBTQ+ or an ally, come and share in the joy, connection, and pride that brings us all together. Let’s make it a day to remember—full of colour, laughter, and community connections.
When: Saturday 25th July, 12pm to 9pm
Where: Pennington Hall Park, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required
Nature Walks with Discover The Wild: Summer Nature Walk
Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of summer! Take a walk through the woods and hedgerows and explore the insects, birds, flowers and fungi that may call Haigh Hall home for the summer. From bird visitors from Africa to our colourful summer flowers we will amble around the park appreciating some wonderful species and learning about how they fit in to the ecosystem, how we identify them as well as appreciate their beauty. It is summer so expect lots of butterflies, but don't worry, even if it rains there is still lots to encounter and get hands on with!
When: Sunday 26th July, 10am to 12pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre for a prompt start
Tickets: Book now via Book tickets on Eventbrite - Haigh Woodland Park (external link)
Twilight Walk
Join the Haigh team experts for a relaxing Twilight Summer Nature Walk, where the golden glow of sunset fades into the gentle hush of dusk. Stroll along our scenic paths, breathe in the warm evening air, and discover the sights and sounds that come alive as day turns to night. There’ll be a guided walk with fascinating insights into evening wildlife and plants from the team, alongside the peaceful chorus of birds settling and nocturnal creatures awakening. Perfect for families, nature lovers, walkers of all abilities, and anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors.
When: Thursday 30th July
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Available now via Eventbrite (external link)
Haigh Food and Drink Festival
Discover, taste and celebrate the best of our region at the brand new Haigh Food and Drink Festival, set in the stunning surroundings of Haigh Woodland Park. Taking place over two days, this summer event will shine a spotlight on local sellers and suppliers, bringing together independent food traders, artisan producers and drink specialists - in partnership with The Market Company. Alongside fantastic food and drink, visitors can enjoy a lively programme of entertainment, creating a relaxed, festival atmosphere perfect for a summer day out with family and friends.
When: Saturday 8th (10am to 8pm) and Sunday 9th (10am to 6pm) August
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required
Sleuth
A murder mystery full of suspense and intrigue. This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
When: 26th August to 5th September
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: Book Sleuth tickets (external link) or call 0333 666 3366
The Great Viking Gathering
New for 2026. See legends come to life with Ydalir Vikings. There will be a Viking Camp, Live Re-enactments, Archery Workshops, Combat Displays, Heritage Crafts, Market Stalls, Family Fun, Longboat Sailings. It’s time to step into the age of warriors.
When: Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 10am to 4pm, August Bank Holiday Weekend
Where: Pennington Flash Nature Reserve
Tickets: FREE Entry, no booking required
Nature Walks with Discover The Wild: Autumn Foraging
Come on our autumnal forage through Haigh to discover the wild and cultivated plants and the fascinating stories, mythology and folklore surrounding them. On our seasonal foraging walks we will get to grips with some of these plants, some of them edible, some poisonous. You will learn how to identify them, learn about their fascinating ecology, how they fit in the landscape and their edible and medicinal uses. Where possible we will get hands on with the plants and even try some in the field; this is a great way to learn more about the plants around the estate.
When: Sunday 30th August, 10am to 12pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre for a prompt start
Tickets: Book now via Book tickets on Eventbrite - Haigh Woodland Park (external link)
Proms in the Park Wigan
Join the Tyldesley Brass Band for a fantastic evening of fanfare, flag waving and fireworks in the beautiful surroundings of Mesnes Park. Bring your own blankets, chairs and picnic or treat yourself to one of our VIP packages for a memorable musical evening that is sure to be a highlight of the summer season.
When: Saturday 5th September, gates open at 6pm
Where: Mesnes Park, Wigan
Tickets: More information coming soon.
Wigan 10k
The 14th annual Wigan 10k run once again starts and finishes in the beautiful surroundings of Mesnes Park. Register for you spot today, or just head down and support those that have.
When: Sunday 6th September
Where: Mesnes Park, Wigan
Tickets: Register for Wigan 10k (external link)
Mort
Based on a Discworld fantasy novel, a A WLT Youth Theatre Production. Mort is a young farm boy whose apprenticeship takes him to another dimension. This Amateur production is published by Corgi: Supporting the Orangutan Foundation.
When: 18th to 20th September
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: Book Mort tickets (external link) or call 0333 666 3366
Proms in the Park Leigh
Join us the following weekend at Leigh for a second evening of proms magic, this time in the beautiful surroundings of Pennington Hall Park. The Tyldesley Brass Band will once again serenade you until sunset and bring the summer season to a close with a bang.
When: Saturday 12th September, gates open at 6pm
Where: Pennington Hall Park, Leigh
Tickets: More information coming soon.
Nature Walks with Discover The Wild: Fungi Walk
Explore Haigh through the many species of fungi on our walk, immersing ourselves in this fascinating world. Mushrooms, corals, puffballs, brackets, jellies are just some of the types of fungi we will hope to encounter on our fungal foray around the grounds. Fungi are enigmatic, appearing and disappearing quickly and on our walk we will hope to encounter lots of these species and learn more about how they work, how they spread, where they live and how we go about identifying them. We will dispel some of the myths that surround them as well as fascinate you with the truth.
When: Saturday 26th September, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre for a prompt start
Tickets: Book now via Book tickets on Eventbrite - Haigh Woodland Park (external link)
Nature Walks with Discover The Wild: Fungi Walk
Explore Haigh through the many species of fungi on our walk, immersing ourselves in this fascinating world. Mushrooms, corals, puffballs, brackets, jellies are just some of the types of fungi we will hope to encounter on our fungal foray around the grounds. Fungi are enigmatic, appearing and disappearing quickly and on our walk we will hope to encounter lots of these species and learn more about how they work, how they spread, where they live and how we go about identifying them. We will dispel some of the myths that surround them as well as fascinate you with the truth.
When: Saturday 10th October, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre for a prompt start
Tickets: Book now via Book tickets on Eventbrite - Haigh Woodland Park (external link)
Shakers Restirred
Shakers Restirred gives a wickedly funny glimpse of the world as seen through the eyes of the four long-suffering waitresses who work in a cafe bar called Shakers and is a fascinating view of the reality that lurks behind the plastic palms and the Pina Coladas. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (external link) on behalf of Josef Weinberger Ltd.
When: 14th to 24th October
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: Book Shakers Restirred tickets (external link) or call 0333 666 3366
Pottery Nights
Pottery nights are back at Everyday Wigan. Get creative on Monday evenings with Anna as she guides you through a relaxed hand‑building pottery session. It is perfect for beginners and will walk you through sculpting, firing and glazing step‑by‑step. More experienced potters can enjoy the freedom to explore and create at their own pace.
When: Every Monday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: The Community Room at The Old Courts, Wigan
Tickets: £20 per person, available via Eventbrite - Everyday events page (external link)
Card making at Haigh
Get creative in 2026 with The Stables Gallery. Situated upstairs, above the Courtyard, they will be hosting regular card making lessons, perfect for beginners and crafty pros.
When: Every Thursday from 22nd January, 1.30pm to 4pm
Where: The Stables Gallery, Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: £6 available by calling 01942 831831 or emailing mojdavies1@virginmedia.com
Foodie Friday
The now legendary Foodie Friday nights are back - bigger and better than ever before! There will be many of your favourite street food traders to choose from, as well as some newbies and of course, the usual quality musical entertainment.
When: Every last Friday of the month (March to October)
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, The Courtyard
Tickets: Free to attend, car parking charges apply.
Haigh Artisan Markets
The Artisan Traders are again bringing their amazing products and produce to Haigh. From cakes to candles, soaps to sandals, jewellery delights, and doggy treats and bites. Crafted for you and your home. Plus, all the fun of the park and its many attractions.
When: Third Sunday of the month (April to October)
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, The Courtyard
Tickets: Free to attend, car parking charges apply.
Haigh Park Run
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! For first timers - simply register on the link below. Download your barcode, and we’ll see you at 8.45am for the pre-Parkrun briefing. Follow our Facebook page (external link) for any last minute updates.
When: Every Saturday, 8:45am briefing, 9am start
Where: Pre-brief on event field, behind Graze
Tickets: Register for Park Run (external link)
Open Mic Poetry
Join us for Wigan’s longest running and most successful poetry open mic – in conjunction with Write Out Loud. We welcome established poets and newcomers alike to a friendly and supportive night of words. Whether you’re a political ranter, romantic, serious or comic poet, whether you rhyme or not everyone is welcome at Open Mic Night!
When: Second Thursday of the month
Where: Bailiff Bar, The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA
Tickets: Free entry, no tickets required
Unlocked
Tommy Jones of QSOE presents two original artists each month from all genres and walks of life. On the last Thursday of each month you can expect to hear intimate sets from fantastic musicians and creative artists in a relaxed setting.
When: Last Thursday of the month
Where: Bailiff Bar, The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA
Tickets: Free entry, no tickets required
The Girls Club Life
The Girls Club in Wigan, founded by Jess from Ashton, is a community interest company (CIC) focused on empowering women through mental health support, friendship, and conversation. It acts as a female-focused equivalent to Andy's Man Club, offering weekly support sessions, coffee mornings, and activities across the borough.
When: Third Sunday of the month
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane, Wigan. Meet at the Visitor Centre
Tickets: Free, no tickets required
Sunday Jazz in Wigan
Bringing quality local, national and international jazz to the North West for over 30 years. Each event takes place on the last Sunday of every month, with occasional special guests.
When: Last Sunday of every month
Where: Whelley Ex-Serviceman’s Club, Vauxhall Road, Wigan, WN1 3LU
Tickets: £13 advance ticket, £10 for patrons, book tickets for Sunday Jazz in Wigan (external link)
Scotman's Flash: Outdoor watersports
Scotman’s Flash is the perfect place to discover the world of watersports – right on your doorstep. Just a short distance from the centre of Wigan, this hidden gem can be found amid the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve, the first and only ‘NNR’ in the whole of Greater Manchester. Here you can get active in a fun and thrilling way, with paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and other activities for adults and children of all abilities. Part of Be Well Outdoors, Scotman’s Flash is available for individual and family bookings, school trips, corporate bookings and parties.
When: Various
Where: Scotman's Flash, Wigan
Tickets: Various prices, book watersports at Scotman's Flash (external link)
Haigh high ropes and low ropes adventures
A window into the world of outdoor adventure awaits you at Haigh Woodland Park! You can take fun to new heights on our thrilling ropes courses or ignite a passion for nature and bushcraft amid our glorious ancient woodland. Connect and interact with nature, discover new skills and learn more about the natural environment… and yourself! Part of Be Well Outdoors, Haigh high ropes and adventure is available for individual and family bookings, school trips, corporate experiences and parties
When: Various
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan
Tickets: £10 to £15, book Haigh high ropes and low ropes adventures (external link)
Adventure golf at Haigh
Show you're king or queen of the course with an unforgettable adventure golf experience at Haigh Woodland Park. This 18 hole adventure golf course offers many challenges and obstacles to test your skills. You can take a ride on the Viking boat, challenge yourself by putting through a tree stump vortex hole, or simply indulge in the stunning views that make this adventure golf course like no other. No need to book in advance (unless you're a group of 13 or more, see group bookings below), just turn up and pay at the Visitor Centre to play a game.
When: Open every day, 9am to 5pm. Last entry to course is at 3.30pm
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan
Cost: £18 Family, £5.50 Adult, £4.50 Child aged 3-15
We're here to showcase the best of our borough so that residents and visitors alike can make the most of the fantastic hospitality on offer. If you are hosting a public event within the borough you can list it on our What’s On section by filling in our event listing form (external link).
What's On Wigan and Leigh - Culture Guide
Our culture guide for Wigan Borough, which includes lots of activities and events at The Museum of Wigan Life, Archives: Wigan & Leigh and The Turnpike Gallery and borough libraries.
For more events in Wigan Borough visit our Facebook page.
What you’ve missed so far...
