Leigh band Lottery Winners 'overwhelmed' as their success is recognised with a Believe Star
A Believe Star has been unveiled outside Leigh Town Hall for band Lottery Winners.
Chart-topping Leigh band Lottery Winners said they hoped to inspire a new generation of musicians as they were honoured with a Believe Star.
Launched in 2012, the stars are assigned by Wigan Council to recognise residents who have made outstanding contributions.
Earlier this year it was announced that the Lottery Winners would receive the accolade outside Leigh Town Hall, while Wigan band The Lathums and businessman and charity fund-raiser Mike Sharkey would have stars in Wigan’s Sir Billy Boston Square.
The Lottery Winners formed in Leigh in 2008 and have worked relentlessly to reach the top of their game, with the four-piece achieving two number one albums, headlining at Leigh Sports Village, and supporting huge artists such as Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams and Richard Ashcroft.
The band members were joined by family, friends, local councillors and council representatives for the unveiling outside Leigh Town Hall.
Frontman Thom Rylance said: “It’s crazy to think that the songs that we’ve made, written and rehearsed in Leigh, have taken us around the world, and to get to come home to this Believe Star is overwhelming.
“This means the world to us and it proves that music matters to the community. I think this proves that if you find your people and find the thing that you’re really good at, and you work hard and you’re passionate about it, then you can achieve amazing things.
“I hope that this inspires another generation of musicians, working-class creatives or kids who might not know what they want to be, to know that what they’re doing is important.
“We’re so proud of where we’re from, and to have our star alongside those that mean a lot to so many people, is a real honour.”
With the Lottery Winners’ two albums Anxiety Replacement Therapy and KOKO both hitting the top spot on the UK album chart, their sold-out show at Leigh Sports Village in May was a career-defining moment.
Fiercely proud of their local roots, the four-piece have been keen supporters of the borough’s art and cultural initiatives, including a project led by Northern Heart Film and supported by Wigan Council, which allowed 22 young people to create a feature-length documentary about the band in the lead up to their stadium gig in Leigh.
Thom has spoken candidly about his ADHD diagnosis and said that he hopes his band’s achievements can inspire those who have had similar experiences with the condition, as well as other young musicians and creatives.
Council leader Coun Nazia Rehman said: “It was a real privilege to present the Believe Star to Thom, Robert, Katie and Joe - otherwise known as the Lottery Winners.
“Believe Stars are the highest honour we can bestow in Wigan borough, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to our communities.
“The band represent our borough with immense pride and their talent, determination and enthusiasm serve as an inspiration to so many people, not just here in Wigan borough, but across the UK.
“So we were incredibly proud to host this special occasion, formally recognising the remarkable success of the Lottery Winners and celebrating an outstanding career that continues to go from strength to strength.”