what's happening in Wigan

what's happening in Wigan All things Wigan..
(2)

shouting about the good things that make our town ❤️ Enquiries/media pack on request, email [email protected]

23/11/2025

Police have confirmed the fire on King Street in Wigan town centre was at what used to be Jak's, and fire is now out. Officer also told me they didn't think anyone was in the building, but couldn't confirm that.

Thank you to our emergency services..think they're in for a long night..there are still quite a few crews at the bottom end of King St.

23/11/2025

King Street in Wigan remains closed as fire crews deal with fire in building there, which one woman has told me is in the roof of the old Jak's.

I've been in touch with GMP and checking with fire service to check everyone's safe, and will update when I hear back. Also, our fire crews.. they do a great job, so hope they're all ok.

22/11/2025

Saddle Junction 😩🤣
Not particularly good news, but something I think most people can relate to 🤣🤣

Something very different for a Friday night, not Wigan, but I was over in Liverpool for an awards ceremony, and absolute...
22/11/2025

Something very different for a Friday night, not Wigan, but I was over in Liverpool for an awards ceremony, and absolutely made up to see my friends Tim and John win ❤️

We met in the most awful of circumstances, Tim's daughter Elle was shot dead outside a pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve, 2022. I first met them when Tim had joined John on a walk from Lands End to John O’Groats, and I interviewed them for Granada Reports. It's no exaggeration to say John saved Tim's life, just by walking and talking with him.

I've worked with them a lot, and fought to tell the story of their friendship..they're both amazing, and I love that we're all now very good friends...John I'd count as one of my best friends ❤️. They take the mickey out of me cos I'm from Wigan 🤣, so in return I make them eat pies 🤣. They've had Galloways, Muffin Man, Whittles and Baldy's (loved them all but their favourite is Baldy's Wigan)

They recently made a documentary about their walk, called The Two of Us. It's about male mental health, friendship, but above all, hope.

Very special men, oh, and the man on the right...Speedo Mick, another special man, he's done a lot of walking, but in his Everton Speedos.. I didn't recognise him with his clothes on 🤣

Hope you all have a fab weekend x

Flippin 'eck... thought Bill had just gone viral across my social media platforms, but someone with way more followers t...
21/11/2025

Flippin 'eck... thought Bill had just gone viral across my social media platforms, but someone with way more followers than me has shared my videos on X too ❤️

A credit would've been nice as they've copied and pasted my writing aswell 🤣 but hey ho.... this means more people are getting to see how magic Bill is.. and there is a bit of media frenzy now...but just so you know, we are looking after Bill, speaking to him and his family regularly to make sure it doesn't get too much.... I know the media industry very well.

But, this is why I'm doing now...there is magic everywhere ....as Roald Dahl said "Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it" ❤️

21/11/2025

The cutest thing you'll see all day 😍
This is Isla… she’s 5.
And she’s the artist behind the Richard Ashcroft neon at Light Night Wigan.
Richard himself has seen it… and even sent her a message "To Isla, love this artwork, love and peace forever".

Mesnes Park is filled with “Wigan Icons” designed by children from across the borough — the people they think are heroes, and it's always my favourite part of Light Night, seeing which new ones will appear each year. ❤️

Here are all the amazing artworks, and artists.

• Crusty the Pie — Darcie (5)
• Ella Toone — Beatrix (7)
• Andy Farrell — Arlo (10)
• Lollipop Lady — Valdi (5)
• Keely Hodgkinson — Ruby (10)
• George Hughes — Jessica (9)
• Richard Ashcroft — Isla (5)
• Angela the School Cook — Hallie (7)
• Grandma the Librarian — Arabella (5)

If you're heading to Mesnes Park over the next two nights, it's all beautiful, but keep your eyes out for them. Well done to all these fabulous little artists 👏👏❤️

Thank you to Isla and her mum Emma for speaking to me x

Light Night Wigan.. love this..❤️Isla, 5, designed a picture of Richard Ashcroft which was chosen as one of the Wigan I...
20/11/2025

Light Night Wigan.. love this..❤️

Isla, 5, designed a picture of Richard Ashcroft which was chosen as one of the Wigan Icons to be lit up... and Richard signed the photo of it for her.

Final pic.. the finished artwork.. Mesnes Park is looking more beautiful than usual tonight.. video to follow.

Love it.

❤️
20/11/2025

❤️

20/11/2025

Hi everyone, and happy Thursday ❤️
Thank you so so much for all the love shown for Bill! Magic ❤️

There have been messages from all over the world.. "national treasure" "the real Santa Claus" "angel on earth" just some of the things people are calling him... all true.
He's now back in his workshop (already sent me a pic of all the toys which need painting), and is chilling out taking it all in...

As you know, he makes the toys for Daffodils Dreams, and this is where we were with him yesterday at the Community Lounge, which they run for people to have a cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat... it really is a special place..you can read more about it in the top comment, and you'll see why it means so much to Bill 💛

Also, here he is, marking his Christmas lights switch on in his diary (he's better than me, I don't know how to use the diary on my phone 🤣).

Thank you everyone... I'm overwhelmed too at the reaction...and can't wait to see him lighting up Wigan like he lights up everyone's lives ❤️🎄

Blimey...so good I posted the video twice 🤣 but how brilliant! Our wonderful Bill turning on Christmas lights in Wigan,...
19/11/2025

Blimey...so good I posted the video twice 🤣 but how brilliant!

Our wonderful Bill turning on Christmas lights in Wigan, Saturday 29th of November at the Cotton Works 🎄

Thank you John Heaton.. this was very special today ❤️

19/11/2025

This is SO SO special ❤️ an update from Bill, our wonderful Bill who makes the gorgeous toys for children...

He's gone viral, I wanted him to know what people are saying about him, so met up with him at Daffodils Dreams earlier when he was delivering his toys.

Also, John Heaton (if you've seen my previous videos, you'll know John and his company are doing all the work at the Cotton Works) I wasn't sure what John was going to ask him tbh.. just watch 👀 this is magic ❤️

(Also love the end...Bill not phased at all, already planning his outfit 🤣 i absolutely love him)



NB: the lights are 29th November... I'll be finding more out about this over next couple of days 😁😁 but think it'll be really special 🎄

And.. another one (I'm like Columbo 🤣) for those who've asked how they can support Bill with his toymaking..I'm speaking to Bill, his family and Daffodils Dreams, so will let you know..but please, watch this.. it's just lovely ❤️

Address

Wigan
WN50AE

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when what's happening in Wigan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category