Arts & Culture

Celebrating creativity, capturing stories.

From grassroots music and theatre to local artists, independent venues and creative communities, explore the people, performances and places shaping our cultural landscape.

Through features, reviews and photography, Common Threads shines a light on local creativity and the stories behind it.

  • French Culture Takes Center Stage at Angers Twinning Association’s Wine and Cheese Tasting

    The rich tapestry of French flavours and culture took centre stage at the Angers Twinning Association’s annual Wine and Cheese Tasting, a highlight of French Week. Now in its fourth year, this event celebrates Wigan twinning with the French town of Angers, fostering community spirit and cultural appreciation. The evening offered an insightful exploration into…

  • Dolly Mavies Live at The Snug: An Intimate and Raw Performance

    Dolly Mavies delivered an intimate and raw performance at The Snug on Friday as part of The Early Doors Club, a UK government-backed program supporting the nighttime economy and local music across Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, and Wigan. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to boost the local economy by increasing footfall and encouraging visitors to…

  • An Enchanting Evening: Bek Jones & Ríoghnach Connolly Live at The Snug

    From the moment Bek Jones and Ríoghnach Connolly took the stage at The Snug in Atherton, the audience was captivated. Jones, with her rock-infused, bluesy vocals and evocative lyrics, blended seamlessly with Connolly’s hypnotic and enchanting voice. Their performance was a mesmerising fusion of folk, rock, blues, and storytelling. The intimate venue, filled with an…

  • Express Yourself at The Coffee Stop’s Spoken Word Swap

    Since July 2024, The Coffee Stop has hosted Leigh’s very own spoken word evening, Word Swap, led by Julie McKiernan. Taking place on the third Thursday of every month, the event encourages local poets, writers, and anyone who wishes to express themselves creatively through the written word to perform. Featuring performances of poetry, prose, and…

  • Turnpike Gallery: Ukrainian Photography Reveals the Fragility of Home in War

    Ukranian Photography Exhibition at The Turnpike Gallery. A touring exhibition of Ukrainian photographers arrives at The Turnpike presented by the Open Eye Gallery. At the heart of the exhibition are questions about the meaning of home and how we can visualize it. Curated by Max Gorbatsky and Victoria Bavyzina, the exhibition offers unique perspectives on…

  • An Educational Festive Journey with Santa’s Little Helpers

    Santa’s Little Helpers at the Over Hulton Conservative Club transports audiences back to the winter of 1974. Guided by Babs and Sand, two disheartened seasonal entertainers working at a local department store, the audience embarks on an educational and festive journey that delves into Christmas traditions and history. From the outset, the audience was met…

  • Mixed Motives and Blackmail in St. Joseph’s Players’ ‘A Murder is Announced’

    I had the pleasure of watching St. Joseph’s Players’ production of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, which ran from October 1st to 5th at St. Joseph’s Hall in Leigh. Originally adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon, this production was directed by Barbara Myers, a member of the Players. Set in the 1950s in…

  • The Joy of Words: Language and Laughter, Served Up with Fish & Chips

    On September 19th, Wigan Libraries revived their beloved evenings with a fantastic series of insightful talks, all accompanied by a beloved fish and chip supper. Jan Porteous, a poet, writer, and retired teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and English, delivered a fun poetry evening titled The Joy of Words, exploring how the alphabet, through words,…

  • Ladies of Leigh: A Thought-Provoking Play Illuminates the Untold History of Women in Leigh

    “The Ladies of Leigh,” written by Julie McKiernan and Corrie Shelley, is a dynamic performance that brings the forgotten history of Leigh’s women to life. Julie, a freelance writer, creative writing tutor, and amateur historian, is known for her work on local history through scripts, essays, and books. Corrie, a talented singer, photographer, and composer…

  • Review: Beyond the Surface—Journeys from Within Exhibition by Fallen Angels Dance Theatre at The Turnpike Gallery

    Launching a major exhibition at The Turnpike Gallery, Beyond the Surface celebrates 10 years of Fallen Angels Dance Theatre’s work in Wigan. Showcasing a range of multimedia artworks—from photography to immersive dance, light, and sound installations—the exhibition explores the healing journeys of individuals in recovery. It aims to highlight not only the healing process but…