Coronavirus: Wigan arts venue hopes to keep supporting performers as it shuts its doors

The Crawford Street hub has announced it will shut following advice from the Government - but will do what it can to support performers and groups.

A statement said: "Health always comes first and this sentiment has never felt so important.

"We’d love to announce ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ but that just isn’t realistic with the current situation. We’d love to think that our events and activities won’t be affected but they will.

"Whilst we champion the careers and aspirations of both emerging and well established performers, health comes first.

"We are closing all public operations at The Old Courts for a period of at least one month.

"As an organisation we will always follow government advice relating to the health and safety of our staff, performers and guests and we have been advised that this course of action is our only option.

"You can imagine how difficult this decision has been for us to make but it is something we need to do to play our part in the larger effort to overcome the threat posed by coronavirus."

Customers who have bought tickets for events will be contacted and there are hopes the events can all be rescheduled.

The centre plans to launch Old Courts Live, a series of live-streamed shows featuring the acts due to perform there.

The statement said: "We can’t stand by and let the artists lose the work so we will be honouring as many fees as possible and finding a way to crack on.

"We will broadcast live performances under strictly controlled conditions in the coming days and if you like what you see and want to help and support us please make a donation during these performances. This will contribute towards our commitment to honouring the artists fees to support them and it will help us to keeping running and delivering arts to our community."

While the cafe at The Old Courts will be closed to customers and community groups, it is hoped a delivery service will be available.

Wiganers are being encouraged to continue to support the venue, performers and others linked to the organisation during the closure.

The statement continued: "As always, your kindness is overwhelming and drives us all on to keep pushing the boundaries and bringing the best we possibly can to Wigan.

"As a community interest company, these are truly tough times. We want to continue supporting local artists, local community groups, local individuals who really need us and we want to continue bringing national and international talent here to Wigan to entertain the people who live here.

"If you want food, please order from our delivery service, if you have spare time, please watch our live sessions, if you are looking for a gift please consider our gift vouchers (COMING VERY SOON).

"If you’re able to make a donation to help with this please visit www.theoldcourts.com where you will find a Paypal Donate button, all donations no matter how small make a big difference to us and our community.

"We will be creative and adapt and overcome, in the meantime, please bear with us and keep on being the amazing support network that you have been since 2014 when we opened our doors."