On this page you will find details of museums and archives exhibitions and events.
Wigan Museum is free unless otherwise stated.
If you have any event queries, you can contact the Wigan Museum and Archives: Wigan & Leigh teams.
Exhibitions
Archives: Wigan and Leigh permanent exhibition
This amazing display of local stories, archives, and museum objects showcases the local history of the East side of the borough. Our team and volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and help you explore the collection!
- Where? Archives: Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Catch as catch can wrestling
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.
- Where? Archives: Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Upcoming events
Leigh Town Hall tour
Join us for this exciting tour of Leigh Town Hall and see behind-the-scenes of the new Archives: Wigan & Leigh. Availability is limited so you must book in advance.
Relaxed mornings
This time is specially dedicated to visitors with special needs. What’s special about it? It will be a SEND-friendly environment with low number of visitors, sensory resources to use during your visit and staff will be available to help with anything you need.
- When? Last Saturday of the month, 10am - 12pm
- Where? Archives Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in
Wigan & Corrie by Sean Jinks
The fictional suburb of Weatherfield & the very real town of Wigan have a lot in common - cobbles, chimney pots, and characters. Both are proudly Northern and working class.
This talk from Sean Jinks looks at the critical role that the town of Wigan has played in the success of the television institution that is Coronation Street. From the shows first "wild child", the many Wigan Rovers Return barmaids, the scriptwriter from Standish, and when the stars of the show came to visit the town. This talk also looks at the origins of the show and its influence on Germany! A talk not to be missed.
When? Saturday 18th October, 12pm - 1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £3.50 includes drink
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite or 01942 828128
Midday Plane to Georgia by David Yeates
David was born in 1971 and was raised in Ashton-in–Makerfield. His African-American father served at Burtonwood Airbase, one of the largest American airbases outside of America. His father returned home to Atlanta Georgia a few months after his birth, not knowing he had been born. Hear David tell the story of each of his highs and several of his lows. David will read extracts from his unpublished memoir ‘Midday Plane to Georgia’ which details his struggle for racial identity and the difficulties of being born with brown skin within a milk bottle white working-class environment. He also shares his lifelong passion for music culture.
At the age of 31 David finally tracked down his biological Dad 4000 miles away, met a whole new family for the very first time, and discovered that his Aunties and Uncles were friends of Civil Rights Leader Dr Martin Luther King. David has worked within the NHS as a mental health therapist for 14 years and is an active member of the Culture World writing group based in Manchester.
When? Saturday 25th October, 12pm - 1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £3.50 includes drink
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite or 01942 828128
Science Day - Who Wants to be a Superhero?
Just what exactly do engineers and scientists do? How do planes fly? How can we see through the dust in space? How do engineers make playgrounds safer to play in? How are they saving lives, and the planet?
Meet six real-life young engineers and scientists working in the UK. Each one has made a short video about their job and what they enjoy most about it. Our presenter weaves these stories together with discussion and interactive demonstrations involving volunteers from the audience.
The show introduces students to a wide range of careers and shows them that engineers and scientists are people just like them!
When? Friday 31st October 11am - 12pm and 1pm - 2pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £5
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite or Wigan Museum.