Wigan arts hub putting on digital festival

Four days of streamed performances and workshops are being put on to raise spirits after a year in which the cultural sector has faced heavy restrictions.
By Andrew Nowell
Published 14th Apr 2021, 07:00 BST
Daliso ChapondaDaliso Chaponda
Daliso Chaponda

The Old Courts is putting on Digital Fest this week covering film, music, comedy and dance.

There will also be events for families to encourage a new generation of culture enthusiasts in the borough and plenty of local talent on display.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Read More
Car driven dangerously towards funeral cortege and then set alight in Wigan
Darren Pritchard is putting on a dance event for Digital FestDarren Pritchard is putting on a dance event for Digital Fest
Darren Pritchard is putting on a dance event for Digital Fest

One of the highest-profile events is the screening on Saturday night of White Riot, Rubika Shah’s award-winning film which looks at the Rock Against Racism movement of the 1970s.

Following the movie The Old Courts patron and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins will be in conversation with songwriter and broadcaster Tom Robinson.

On Friday night anyone in need of a good laugh following a tough year of lockdowns and other restrictions can have their funnybone tickled by comedian Daliso Chaponda.

He has appeared on radio and television on the likes of Britain’s Got Talent, QI, The News Quiz and The Now Show and also has his own radio programme Citizen of Nowhere.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wigan comedy group Casino Improv are also doing two streamed performances in the shape of The Children Of Captain Von Trapp Wish To Say Goodnight and soap opera Caroline Bay.

For music lovers Manchester-born singer-songwriter James Holt will be doing workshops helping people craft their song ideas into a finished shape.

Bands from the borough’s growing music scene will also be showing off their skills on the Grassroots Mixtapes on Friday night.

The dance element of the digital festival is also interactive and led by acclaimed Manchester-based artist Darren Pritchard. He will be getting the borough moving with his sessions based on vogueing, a style popularised by the likes of Madonna.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The borough’s youngest arts fans are being catered to as well with two shows during the festival.

Wiganers aged three to seven can become Curious Investigators while Dust is a reminder of how playful the world can be.

The Old Courts wants to make the event as accessible as possible, with some events being streamed for free and others on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Digital Fest at The Old Courts runs from Thursday April 15 to Sunday April 18. Find out more or book tickets for any of the streamed events at www.theoldcourts.com

If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.

Related topics:Wigan