Drumcroon Collection
Drumcroon Education Arts Centre opened in 1980 and gained national acclaim for work in visual arts education. Part of its mission was to give local children access to original artworks by a range of artists. The Drumcroon Collection includes prints, paintings, drawings, textiles and objects purchased from or donated by many artists over the years and includes works by some established British artists, including Patrick Heron, Victor Pasmore, Elisabeth Frink and many more. The Turnpike Gallery is delighted to showcase the most significant exhibition to date of over 50 works from the collection.
When: 10th May to 21st March
Where: The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, no booking required
Summer of Print
Drop in to the gallery and have a go at making your own print artwork! Free self-led activities for all the family to enjoy, gallery staff will be on hand to assist.
When: 19th July to 30th August
Where: The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, no booking required
Jack and the Beanstalk story lantern workshop
Robin will tell the tale of Jack and the beanstalk and reveal his magical paper lanterns throughout! After the story you will be guided through a step-by-step process of creating a story lantern to take home. Children will be able to create their own stories for their lanterns by cutting out shapes from black card and gluing them in place. Alternatively, they can re-tell their version of the Jack story by using the templates provided on the day.
When: 25th July 1pm to 2pm, 13th August 10:30am to 11:30am, 19th August 11am to 12pm
Where: Tyldsley Library, Wigan Library, Shevington Library
Tickets: Free to attend, book Jack and the beanstalk story lantern workshop tickets (external link)
Billy the Black Bird Summer Trail
Inspired by local author Jennifer Doyle’s Billy the Blackbird picture books we’ve got a new Summer Trail coming to Pennington Flash this summer. Collect your explorer pack from the Visitor Centre and explore the network of paths around the flash to discover 10 familiar UK birds that you can go home and spot in your garden.
When: 18th July to 30th August 2025
Where: Pennington Flash National Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free to attend. Explorer packs available to buy from the Visitor Centre for £1. Books and colouring books are also available to purchase
Digital holiday club at the Archives
Calling all children aged 7 - 11 years. Are you ready for an exciting adventure this school holiday? Join the Archives to explore local history through fun activities like game design, digital animation, robotics, and Minecraft. In collaboration with Computer Xplorers! Lunch included.
When: Every Thursday from 29th July to 21st August
Where: Wigan and Leigh Archives, Leigh Town Hall
Tickets: Book digital holiday club tickets (external link)
Bug hotel workshop
Join Victoria from Give it a Grow for a hands-on workshop all about helping the tiniest creatures in our gardens. In this fun and creative session, we’ll be learning about the insects that live around us and how we can support them with simple, nature-based crafts. Everyone will decorate and build their own mini bug hotel using recycled containers and a mix of natural materials, such as pinecones, twigs, straw, and bark. These little shelters provide safe spaces for bugs to hide, nest, and hibernate, perfect for placing in your garden or yard. Take yours home and give the bugs a place to stay!
When: 31st July 1pm, 11th August 10:30am, 12th August 10:30am
Where: Golborne Library, Wigan Library, Platt Bridge Library
Tickets: book bug hotel workshop tickets (external link)
Slime workshop
A fun filled hour making your own super safe slime to take home.
When: 5th August 10am, 5th August 1pm, 19th August 12pm, 26th August 10am
Where: Hindley Library, Tyldsley Library, Standish Library, Aspull Library
Tickets: book slime workshop tickets (external link)
Local Exchange Festival: Drama on your Doorstep
This August, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s mobile theatre space, the Den, returns to Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley for two jam-packed weeks at Fred Longworth High School. We’ve been working with a brilliant and passionate group of local Ambassadors and Champions to create a festival full of fun, creativity and local stories! Expect music, workshops, shows, comedy, drama, family activities and much, much more.
When: 7th to 17th August
Where: Fred Longworth High School
Tickets: For more information and tickets, visit Local Exchange Festival (external link)
Leigh Feast
Enjoy an afternoon in the summer sun at Lilford Park with your favourite local food stalls and entertainers.
When: Saturday 9th August, 12pm to 9pm
Where: Lilford Park, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, some activities may incur a small fee
Wigan Pride
Dress yourself in rainbows, find your flags, and get ready to celebrate a fabulous, feel-good, summer party in style: Wigan Pride is back and it’s the 10th anniversary! There will be a community parade, music and entertainment, plus community performances and activities, a family friendly area and quiet zone, for those who need to take a break from all the excitement! We’re proud to support this event and to announce a new headline sponsor; Calisen, owner and installer of smart energy infrastructures that help power a more sustainable world. Follow Wigan Pride on Facebook (external link) and Wigan Pride on Instagram (external link) for more information.
When: 16th August
Where: Wigan Town Centre
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required
Billy the Black Bird Workshops
Join Jennifer Doyle the author of Billy the Blackbird in the beautiful setting of Pennington Flash. Listen to an interactive storytelling of her charming book and then make your own bird feeder to take home. All children need to be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. In the event of bad weather the workshop will be moved into our Classroom Hide, and there will be a limit of 1 accompanying adult per child. Age recommendation 4 plus.
When: Saturday 16th, Thursday 21st and Wednesday 27th August at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2:30pm
Where: Pennington Flash National Nature Reserve
Tickets: £5 per child, book Billy the Black Bird Workshop Tickets (external link).
Leigh Leopards Women vs Wigan Warriors Women
The Women’s Super League continues with a local derby as Leigh Leopards take on Wigan Warriors. With both teams aiming for a strong finish to the season, the Leopards will defend their home turf against one of the league’s most iconic sides. Can the Leopards rise to the challenge? Get your ticket to find out!
When: Sunday 17th August, 1pm kick off
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: Book Leigh Leopards Women vs Wigan Warriors Women tickets (external link)
Pre-season friendly Manchester United Women vs Liverpool Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Wednesday 20th August, 7pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 6pm
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: From £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Mama Mia; Here we go again
Dance the night away in the courtyard at Haigh Woodland Park. with Mamma Mania at Haigh Hall! Food and drinks available from courtyard tenants. Parking available on site.
When: Friday 22nd August
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Book Mama Mia tickets (external link)
The Early Doors Club at St George's Church - Tommy Scott (Space) Duo Show
Join us for an intimate night of music with Tommy Scott, frontman of the iconic 90s alternative band Space! Pay what you can afford.
When: Friday 22nd August, 5pm
Where: St George’s Church, Elliott Street, Tyldesley, M29 8JE
Tickets: Book Tommy Scott tickets (external link)
The Early Doors Club at The Coffee Stop - Wildflowers (Acoustic Duo)
Join us for a warm evening of live acoustic music as Wildflowers, a captivating acoustic duo, perform at The Coffee Stop.
When: Friday 22nd August, 5pm
Where: The Coffee Stop on Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4AA
Tickets: Book Wildflowers tickets (external link)
Leigh Leopards vs Salford Red Devils
Dance the night away in the courtyard at Haigh Woodland Park. with Mamma Mania at Haigh Hall! Food and drinks available from courtyard tenants. Parking available on site.
When: Friday 22nd August, 8pm kick off
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: Book Leigh Leopards vs Salford Red Devils tickets (external link)
Wigan Comic Con
A fun, family themed comic con with 9 to 10 tv film and Sci fi related guests and character meet and greets.
When: Saturday 23rd August, 10am to 4pm
Where:Robin Park Leisure Centre
Tickets: Book Wigan Comic Con tickets (external link)
Leigh Leopards Women vs Leeds Rhinos Women
The Women’s Super League continues as Leigh Leopards face the iconic Leeds Rhinos in a thrilling clash. With both teams aiming for a strong finish to the season, the Leopards will attempt to defend their home turf against another great super league side. Can the Leopards rise to the challenge? Every match counts and your support could be the difference.
When: Friday 24th August, 1pm kick off
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: Book Leigh Leopards Women vs Leeds Rhinos Women tickets (external link)
Leigh Leopards vs Castleford Tigers
The jungle returns to Leigh Sports Village as the mighty Leigh Leopards battle against the Castleford Tigers in Round 24 of the Betfred Super League. The Leopards will be looking to pounce on home advantage, but the Tigers won’t go down without a fight. Bring the whole family for an entertaining night of first-class sport.
When: Thursday 28th August, 8pm kick off
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: Book Leigh Leopards vs Castleford Tigers tickets (external link)
The Early Doors Club at The Snug - Zoe Unsworth (Full Band)
Join us for an intimate night of music with Tommy Scott, frontman of the iconic 90s alternative band Space! Pay what you can afford.
When: Friday 29th August, 5pm
Where: The Snug Coffee House, 67a Market Street Atherton, M46 0DA
Tickets: Book Zoe Unsworth tickets (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 30th August 2025, gates open 6pm
Where: Mesnes Park, Wigan
Tickets: VIP- £45.50 plus Eventbrite fees (minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 guests per booking), Adult - £10.88 plus fees, Children (aged 5-15 years) - £8.12 plus fees, Babies and toddlers (4 and under) - Free. Book Proms in the Park Wigan tickets (external link)
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 6th September 2025, gates open 6pm
Where: Pennington Hall Park, Leigh
Tickets: VIP- £45.50 plus Eventbrite fees (minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 guests per booking), Adult - £10.88 plus fees, Children (aged 5-15 years) - £8.12 plus fees, Babies and toddlers (4 and under) - Free. Book Proms in the Park Leigh tickets (external link)
Wigan 10K
The 13th 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 7th September 2025, gates open 6pm
Where: Mesnes Park, Wigan
Tickets: £26, to register, please visit Wigan 10K.
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Leicester City Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 7th September, 12pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 11am
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
From Tickets: £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
The Early Doors Club at Hindley Social Club - Chris Helme (Seahorses)
The Early Doors Club proudly presents Chris Helme, former frontman of The Seahorses, live at our newest venue – Hindley Social Club!
When: Friday 12th September
Where: Hindley Community Sports and Social Club, Romford Street Hindley, WN2 3LW
Tickets: Book Chris Helme tickets (external link)
Alice in Wonderland
A WLT Youth Theatre Production. Alice plunges down the rabbit hole and becomes involved in a madcap and delicious series of adventures immortalised by Lewis Carroll. Our young cast will delight with their interpretations of the many and varied characters in this ever popular story. A play that gets “curiouser and curiouser!”
When: 12th to 14th September 2025
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: £12 to £15 (plus fees), book Alice in Wonderland tickets (external link)
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Arsenal Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 21st September, 12pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 11am
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: From £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Dirty Dusting - Tyldsley Little Theatre
You're never too old, so they say, so when three cleaners of a certain age group, facing redundancy, get involved with a wrong number on a phone in the office where they are working things get very, very interesting as the 'girls' start up a phone 'advice' line service...with a difference!
When: 30th September - 4th October 2025
Where: Tyldsley Little Theatre
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Chelsea Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Saturday 4th October, 12:30pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 11:30am
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: From £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
The Accrington Pals
This lyrical and poignant play is set in Accrington during 1914-16. The “Pals” are the men from the local volunteer battalion who march high-spiritedly off to the Great War. Their experiences in the trenches contrast starkly to the women they left behind. A heart wrenching story of courage of brothers in arms and the endurance and resilience of those at home. This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD a Concord Theatrical Company.
When: 15th to 25th October 2025
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: £8 (plus fees), please visit Wigan Little Theatre (external link)
The Early Doors Club at The Snug - Curtis Eller's American Circus
Step into the wild and wonderfully weird world of Curtis Eller’s American Circus at The Snug! Pay what you can afford.
When: Friday 17th October, 5pm
Where: The Snug Coffee House, 67a Market Street Atherton, M46 0DA
Tickets: Book Curtis Eller's American Circus tickets (external link)
Rustic Winter Wonderland Party Nights
Embrace the festive tradition in style by immersing yourself in the magic of our Rustic Winter Wonderland party nights. Step into our cosy winter setting and capture unforgettable moments at our fantastic selfie pod. Indulge in a sumptuous three-course festive buffet and dance the night away with our DJ and live entertainment! From only £28.95pp.
When: Every Friday and Saturday night from Friday 21st November
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: Call 01942 487878 or contact Leigh Sports Village events to book your place
Goody Two Shoes
Family entertainment galore with comedy, music, dance and loads of surprises. Come along and cheer on Goody and protect her from the baddies. Matinees 2.15pm 29th /30th Nov and 6th/7th Dec. Suitable for audiences aged 3 plus.
When: 26th November to 13th December 2025
Where: Wigan Little Theatre
Tickets: £11 to £15 (plus fees), please visit Wigan Little Theatre (external link)
Jingle Bell Bash Party Nights
Join us for a merry celebration and get ready for the good times as you enter our Jingle Bell Bash. A perfect way to celebrate with colleagues, friends and family in an informal but fun setting! Inclusive of hot buffet and DJ entertainment for just £25.00pp.
When: Every Friday and Saturday night from Friday 28th November
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: Call 01942 487878 or contact Leigh Sports Village events to book your place
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs West Ham Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Saturday 6th December, 12:30pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 11:30am
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: From £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Tottenham Hotspur Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 14th December, 1pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 12pm
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: From £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Liverpool Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 1st February, 1pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 12pm
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs London City Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 15th February, 1pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 12pm
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Everton Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 21st March, 12:30pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 11:30am
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Women's Super League Manchester United Women vs Brighton and Hove Albion Women
World class women’s football from Manchester United Women. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a family wanting to experience the buzz of live football, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday 3rd May, 1pm kick off. Turnstiles open at 12pm
Where: Leigh Sports Village stadium
Tickets: £12 booking is essential, book Manchester United tickets (external link)
Haigh Foodie Friday
The now legendary Foodie Friday nights is back...bigger and better than ever before! There'll 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: 25th July, 29th August, 26th September and 24th October 2025
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free to attend, car park charges apply
Haigh Artisan Market
The Artisan Traders are again bringing their amazing products and produce to Haigh. From Cakes to Candles, Soaps to Sandals, Jewellery Delights, to Doggy Treats and Bites. Crafted for you and your home. Plus, all the fun of the park and it’s many attractions.
When: 20th July, 17th August, 21st September and 19th October 2025, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free to attend, car park charges apply
Haigh Picnic Brass
In association with the Friends of Haigh Woodland Park, this summer favourite is returning for the eighth year, with performances by some of best Brass Bands in the local area. A great family afternoon. Bring a picnic, your blankets and enjoy great live music in this great outdoor setting. Each concert includes two sets of approximately 40 minutes. Commencing 1.00pm and 2.30pm.
When: 20th July, 17th August, 7th September.2025
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free to attend, car park charges apply
Museum of Wigan Life
With new objects for 2025 our interactive, family friendly exhibition will showcase over 400 amazing artefacts from the museum collections - from costume to fine art and machinery. Explore our treasures from the familiar to the mysterious including the revamped Roman and Egyptian displays.
When: Friday 15th February to December 2025. Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Saturday 10am to 2pm
Where: Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan
Tickets: Free, no booking required
Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling Exhibition
Did you know that Wigan was long known as a hot bed of wrestling? Discover the history of the unique Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling style, and the stories of the fighters keeping the sport alive.
When: Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm
Where: Archives: Wigan and Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend
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
FootGolf at Haigh
FootGolf blends two of our most popular sports and adds in a dash of fun. No plus fours are needed, no studded boots or shinpads. Simply follow the rules of golf and let your feet do the talking. If you can kick a ball you can play FootGolf - it’s that simple! This experience is ideal for all the family. It's also a perfect way to destress after work, celebrate success, or to host an unusual corporate event such as teambuilding.
When: Various
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan
Tickets: Various prices, book FootGolf at Haigh (external link)
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...
