A fascinating new creative hub has opened in Wigan. Come take a look inside!

Founder of successful florist Olive Owl Flowers, Sarah has recently launched a dedicated workshop space alongside a new sister brand, Olive and Iris at Hewitt Business Park, Orrell.

The space has been designed to feel cosy, welcoming and accessible: a place where creativity and mindfulness go hand in hand.

Sarah said: “I really wanted to create somewhere that feels safe and welcoming, rather than intimidating.

"You don’t need to be ‘good at crafts’ to come here — you just need to turn up, have a brew and enjoy the process.”

Rather than focusing solely on traditional craft sessions, the programme blends floristry, wellbeing and playful, unconventional events.

Alongside flower-focused workshops, visitors can join events like sound baths, gentle yoga, creative writing sessions and book clubs.

The space has already hosted unique evenings such as Pop Punk and Paint, an emo-inspired painting night set to a pop-punk soundtrack.

One of the most talked-about recent events was Wreath and Rave, which transformed the wreath-making workshop into a rave-style creative evening.

The session featured live DJs, cocktails, disco balls and lighting, as well as games including shot bingo, and everyone went home with a fabulous wreath they crafted.

Sarah said: “It was very fun, very chaotic in the best way.

“We had DJs playing, disco lights, cocktails flowing: it really showed that creative workshops don’t have to be quiet or serious.”

Sarah’s aim is for the space to become a go-to destination for creative workshops in Wigan, offering events that feel relaxed, inclusive and a little unexpected.

Looking ahead to early 2026, the calendar continues this mix of creativity and wellbeing. On Sunday January 4, the New Year Vision Board Workshop will combine a gentle wellness walk with a guided vision board and intention-setting session.

Later in the month, on Saturday January 31, the space will host Pies, Pints and Peculiar Tales: an evening of folklore storytelling paired with a beer tasting.

February will also see the launch of a series of Galentine’s Workshops, celebrating friendship through fun, creative sessions designed to be enjoyed with friends or as a way to meet new people.

“I want this to be the place people think of when they’re looking for creative things to do locally,” Sarah added.

"Something a bit different, a bit fun, and genuinely welcoming.”

With its varied programme and community-focused atmosphere, Olive Owl Flowers and Olive and Iris are quickly establishing themselves as a distinctive creative hub in the Wigan area.

Sarah set up Olive Owl in 2014 after completing a two-year BTec in floristry design at Myerscough College.

Naturally one of its biggest focuses is on wedding flowers – from bridal bouquets to church blooms – but it also provides wedding styling, which includes table fabrics, napkins, candleware and backdrop frames.

And after all the ceremonials it also offers a preservation service so that flowers which featured so spectacularly at a wedding can then be preserved and framed as a “timeless keepsake.”

Olive and Iris launched only weeks ago with an open day.

For more information on events visit: www.oliveowl.co.uk or check their social media