Wigan has been twinned with Angers for over 35 years. This lasting friendship began in the late 1970s as a cultural exchange between two colleges. Wigan borough's Education Department asked George Harrison, Director of the Adult Education Centre, to look for opportunities to exchange with a similar institution elsewhere in Europe. It was then that he met Michel Leterme, Director of the Institut Municipal d'Angers.
The first meeting took place in Tyldesley in the 1978, when the British first met the Angevins. From a simple meeting, strong bonds between individuals were formed leading to a formalised relationship between Angers and Wigan years later.
The two twin towns were officially twinned on 10 September 1988 in Angers when the two Mayors Jean Monnier and Cllr David Caley signed the Twinning Charter.
The twinning has continued to grow over the years and now involves a wide network of organisations, including:
- Businesses
- Schools and colleges
- Activity clubs, including sports, culture and dance
- Music bands and artists
- Community groups.
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