The Fire Within - Light Night 2023

Get creative at this year's Light Night events by entering our Neon Icons competition or volunteering your time and skills to help us bring this event to our communities across the borough.

Wigan Borough Icons Competition

This year we are looking for children ages 5-11 to design an illuminated artwork for Light Night Wigan.

This should be based on someone from the borough of Wigan that YOU think is an Icon. This could be a skilled sportsperson, famous musician, or scientist, from the past or present, or someone in your community who is an absolute hero.

We would love you to draw a full-length picture of them - from head to toe - including any props you think might help identify them - and send us a photo of the drawing.

The 3 winning entries will be chosen by a panel comprised of Hacker T Dog, Blackpool Illuminations, Things That Go On Things and Antonio Capelao (Soho Kids Xmas Lights) and translated into life-size neon artworks for Light Night Wigan 2023.

The 3 winners will be notified by Monday 11th October, so if you haven't heard by then, thanks so much for taking part and we look forward to receiving the photos of your wonderful artwork.

Volunteers needed: Bright Sparks apply here!

This year Light Night Wigan is moving to a fabulous new location and we are looking for brilliant individuals who want to be part of the volunteer team to deliver this exciting project.

The volunteer position involves stewarding and signposting the public around the site, and for those who are extra keen we would love some volunteers to help audience members interact with artworks.

The Light Night volunteers always report that they love volunteering on this event as its so rewarding seeing families faces light up as they discover the glorious artworks on display, and showing a beautiful part of Wigan in a new light is really exciting for people.

Volunteers will receive a training session from the Artistic Directors Things That Go On Things wc/ 13th November, and will be provided with hot drinks and snacks throughout their shift. It can be cold as most of the artworks are outside, so please wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes!

"A beautiful day learning, creating and building friendships and connections, and all in the name of an awesome cause. I would recommend everyone to volunteer." Lydia, Volunteer at Light Night Wigan 2022

Leigh Light Parade workshops

Global Communities Leigh Light Parade workshops with Beena Nouri

Would you and your family like to take part in Leigh Light Parade 2023? We’d love to see you there!

In this workshop we welcome local global communities from Leigh to come together at the Turnpike Gallery for a free creative workshop during half term with local artist Beena Nouri who will help you make a glowing creation and sign up to walk in the parade on Saturday 18th November.

This year’s parade will take place alongside the Leigh Christmas Light Switch On, a packed programme of music, dance, funfair and makers markets. Join us for a magical evening of festive fun and usher in the holiday season!

Half Term Family Light Parade workshop with artist Craig Atherton

Would you and your family like to take part in Leigh Light Parade 2023? We’d love to see you there!

Come along to a fun & free creative workshop during half term with local artist Craig Atherton who will help you make a glowing creation and sign up to walk in the parade on Saturday 18th November.

Young People Light Parade Workshop with artists Jamie-Lee and Julia Roy-Williams

Come along to a fun & free creative workshop with an artist Jamie-Lee Wainman and Julia Roy-Williams, make a glowing creation and sign up to walk in the parade on Saturday 18th November. We’d love to see you there!

The theme of the light parade is NATURE’S ELEMENTS and we’re looking for young people to be part of our wind section. Think cool and icey winter vibes, feathers and birds soaring through the sky.

In this workshop, artist Jamie-Lee will show you how to make beautiful feather creations to walk with alongside your friends in the parade. Come and be part of the flock!

The morning will be a relaxed opportunity to get creative with the artists and then from 12pm we will be teaming up with LGBTQ+ Youth Group, We Are Explorers to celebrate their birthday and continue making elements for the parade. All welcome, just please reserve your FREE ticket so we can make sure we have enough biscuits!