Wigan arts hub marking Independent Venue Week

The Crawford Street culture centre is putting on five events between Wednesday and Sunday.

Due to lockdown forcing arts and entertainment venues to keep their doors firmly closed, this year's celebration of independent venues is online.

The music programme kicks off on Wednesday night with hometown folk-rockers Merry Hell promising fans exclusive content and some rarely-heard live tracks alongside the highlights of their back catalogue.

Friday and Saturday nights will be putting the spotlight on the borough's grassroots scene with two Made in Wigan events streaming local talent.

The Old Courts is also streaming two events for families and younger children in the daytime on Wednesday.

The Dragon who Hates Poetry is a hilarious slapstick poetry show, with writer Dommy B taking youngsters on a journey to bring the dragon's reign of terror to an end armed only with a pen and paper.

When Trolls Try to Eat Your Goldfish, an interactive comedy adventure, will also be performed by award-winner Dommy B.

The two children's shows are directed and co-produced by Kevin Dyer and Action Transport Theatre with funding from Arts Council England's Grants for the Arts.

Independent Venue Week is a seven-day celebration of music venues around the country and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in and week out.

Tickets for The Old Courts' events are available on a pay-as-you-feel basis with no minimum or maximum suggestions.

The Crawford Street centre hopes this will enable families and music fans to enjoy culture and entertainment to suit their budgets.

More details about the music acts playing on Friday and Saturday will be posted on the venue's website.

For more information visit www.theoldcourts.com

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