A big party will celebrate a Wigan hotel's 70th birthday and the 10th anniversary of its rescue from closure
The Wellfield Hotel in Beech Hill is celebrating its 70th anniversary and 10 years since its community rescue with a free event.
What began in 2016 as a community fight to save a much-loved Wigan landmark is set to culminate in one of the biggest celebrations ever held there.
For on Saturday August 22, the Wellfield Hotel in Beech Hill will mark its 70th anniversary and 10 years since it was saved and reopened by the community.
Families and residents from Beech Hill and the wider Wigan community are being invited to the spectacular, free celebration, made possible through the generosity of local businesses, organisations, entertainers and supporters.
It will celebrate the history of the Wellfield, but organisers say its real purpose is to recognise the people of Beech Hill whose determination, hard work and continued support helped save the venue.
A decade ago the hotel was facing closure, but locals rallied together to secure its status as an Asset of Community Value and Chris Tolley stepped forward and reopened it.
He went on to run the pub successfully for three years before Julie Derbyshire took over, continuing the journey and keeping the Wellfield going strong to this day.
Now, 10 years on, Chris and Julie have come together to recognise what the community achieved.
They believe the people of Beech Hill deserve a day dedicated to celebrating the hard work, determination and continued support that went into saving and maintaining what has become an iconic local landmark.
Admission to the event and the main entertainment and activities is completely free thanks to local business and community sponsors. Food and drinks, along with any purchases made from individual stalls, are not included and will be charged separately by the relevant vendors.
The event will run from 2pm until 8pm, complete with fairground rides and stalls, a five-tonne legacy sandpit, pirate ship, limbo, inflatable beach attractions, children’s activities, food stalls and a Punch and Judy show.
There will also be a massive interactive gaming station and immersive gaming experience, offering something completely different for children and families.
A host of local entertainers and artists will be performing throughout the day, helping create a festival atmosphere around the Wellfield.
A highlightwill be a special appearance from Kitty Litter — Liverpool’s very own Mrs Brown - who will bring his unique brand of comedy and entertainment as part of evening celebrations, beginning at 9pm.
An event organiser said: “Ten years ago, the future of the Wellfield looked very different. The community came together because they believed this place mattered, and they fought to save it as an Asset of Community Value.
“Chris reopened the Wellfield and successfully ran it for three years before Julie took over, and she continues to keep it going strong today.
“When we looked at the 70th anniversary and the 10-year anniversary of the reopening, we realised this wasn’t just an opportunity to celebrate the hotel. It was an opportunity to celebrate the community.
“There are so many people who put time, effort and heart into saving this place and supporting it over the years. They deserved a day that recognised that.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the local businesses who have come together to make this event completely free. Without them, we couldn’t put on anything like this.