In July, over a five-night stretch at Robin Park Arena, a new chapter is going to be written into the borough’s musical history.
More than a quarter of a century since The Verve played their legendary gig at Haigh Hall, Richard Ashcroft returns to his hometown for a two-night special.
Alongside him are local heroes The Lathums, with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and James Arthur completing the line-up of headline acts for the first three days.
For these generational gigs there’s even more of a hometown feel, as The Lottery Winners (from Leigh) and Stanleys are also set to take the stage.
The gravity of the event is certainly not lost on Stanleys drummer and vocalist Rob.
“When we saw those gigs announced, it was something we were gunning to play, straightaway,” he explains to Borough Life.
“It was a bit crazy at first because you don’t see gigs like that going on in Wigan very often, we didn’t know what to make of it.
“When Richard Ashcroft was confirmed, we put our name in the hat wherever possible and then getting the word through that we were actually going to do it was amazing.
“To be going on with someone like him, who’s so influential to us all as musicians, it’s something extra special and it feels almost historic. As Wiganers, it’s an honour.”
Stanleys will be showcasing their distinct sound influenced by 60s guitar music and 90s Britpop on Sunday, July 21.
It’ll be the second night for the former Verve frontman, as an extra night was swiftly added due to overwhelming demand.
“We all met at Winstanley College, that’s why we’re called Stanleys, and obviously Richard Ashcroft also went there, so it feels like there’s something intertwined with who we are,” Rob says.
“Growing up, I started listening to The Verve before I even realised they were from Wigan and then you think of it as like; ‘well, these are people like us.’
“It’s surreal to think of the Haigh Hall gig, I think we all know someone who was at that one.
“I feel like people are already talking about this one in a similar way. So, seeing our name on that bill, being in the same ballpark. It’s crazy, really.
“We’re seeing our name on the posters around, on bus stops and things around the town, it just feels really strong as a Wigan band to be alongside Richard Ashcroft.”
The Robin Park Festival has the potential to be etched in the borough’s cultural history for decades to come and could represent a high- point of the thriving music scene of recent years.
The Lathums have made a name for themselves across the world and The Lottery Winners carved out their own piece of history by becoming the first Leigh band to have a number one album.
“We like to speak to all of the bands (on the local scene), we all go out for a drink together,” says Rob.
“The Lathums have looked after us and we’ve always played gigs with bands like the Lottery Winners. It just shows what people from around here are like, we’ve got a culture of looking after each other and everyone’s in it together.
"There’s been a great culture of everyone working together with those bands and up-and-coming bands, there’s a real tight-knit community."
Fast forward a few months. It’s the last night of the five-day festival and Stanleys are about to go on stage in front of a hometown crowd. How are they feeling?
“You never know, from those big gigs we’ve done before, how you’re going to feel until the day. You might be feeling nervous in the build-up but I think whenever we get to the side of the stage, it’s just go time for us.
“It’s a good feeling to know that we’re going into it confident with our set, knowing it inside and out what it’s worth on that stage.
“We know we’ll see familiar faces in the crowd, it’s a family affair, isn’t it? So, you know, we’ve put in the work and we’ll enjoy it.”
A momentous occasion for the borough
For the highly anticipated five nights in July, Robin Park Arena will undergo a major transformation.
It’ll be swapping front row forwards for front row seats, extra-time for encores and flying wingers with headline singers. Home to Wigan Warriors since 2019, the main training pitch that usually plays host to Matty Peet’s squad in preparation for Super League matches will welcome 11,500 gig-goers per night.
It is set to provide a major boost to the local economy and is hoped to provide a template for future events in the borough.
As part of a collaboration between Warriors, SJM Concerts – one of the UK’s largest concert promoters – and Wigan Council, the Robin Park music series is already putting Wigan Borough on the map ahead of an amazing summer.
“The vision for Robin Park has always been to create a welcoming space where people feel an integral part of our community,” explains Kris Radlinski, chief executive of Wigan Warriors and a driving force behind the events.
Since 2019, the Arena’s facilities – including a range of sports pitches, athletics track and conference lounges - have been available to the community in addition to providing for the club’s first team and academy.
In recent years, the number of visitors using the site has doubled, Kris says, with the summer music series representing another significant step forward.
“This is a realisation of a goal we’ve pursued for nearly a decade. We’re proud to be working in partnership to bring these prestigious acts to the town,” he adds.
“The date of 24 May, 1998, remains etched in the memories of many Wiganers, myself included, as a cultural pinnacle when The Verve electrified Haigh Hall.
“It was a moment that Wigan created as a lasting ‘I was there’ memory for the town. Fast forward 26 years and one of the most iconic rock n’ roll singers of all time, Mr Richard Ashcroft, is set to make a triumphant return.
“I’d like to express deep gratitude to Simon Moran and Steve Walton from SJM for trusting us with the responsibility of hosting this monumental occasion.”
To put it simply, for fans of music across the borough, it sounds like it’s going to be epic.
We’ll leave the last word to Kris: “It’s an extraordinary event.
Be sure not to miss this. This is really happening!”
At the time of Borough Life going to press, there were still tickets available across the five nights.
To make sure you don’t miss out, visit: www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk