Wigan arts hub and band putting on virtual Mad Friday event

The final Friday before Christmas is always a busy party night for the borough's pubs and clubs but Tier 3 regulations mean hospitality venues can currently only offer takeaway service.

However, the band will ensure there is a party anyway, even if it has to be in Wiganers' homes.

The group will play classic dance anthems in their inimitable style in which ‘90s club classics meets the sounds of New Orleans.

Mr Wilson's Second Liners take their name from the legendary figure of Anthony H Wilson, who was the brains behind Manchester’s hugely successful Hacienda nightclub, and the music pays homage to the dance culture from the last decade of the 20th century.

And it will now provide the soundtrack to Wigan’s pre-Christmas revels with a 40-minute gig being streamed live for free on the Crawford Street arts hub’s social media platforms.

The band’s colourful attire and lively music has made it a hit all over the world and The Old Courts hopes their sound will be an ideal way for people to let their hair down after a tough year.

The Old Courts has had to make some dramatic changes to its usual modes of operation this year, with Covid-19 shutting the arts centre’s doors.

However, it has continued to offer live music in the form of streaming, most recently from Ed Cosens of Reverend and the Makers fame.

The organisation has also been helping communities in the borough during lockdown by delivering food parcels, sending out craft activities and running welfare phone lines for anyone needing assistance.

The online activities are continuing until the end of the year with a virtual Christmas market involving internet-based stalls hosted by independent businesses and a series of short craft activities with artists Anna FC Smith and Klaire Doyle.

Mr Wilson’s Second Liners will play a Mad Friday streamed gig on The Old Courts’ social media channels.

The event is on Friday December 18 at 8pm.

To find out more or watch on the night visit www.facebook.com/theoldcourts.

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