A new fund will allow young people to film a documentary with chart-topping band The Lottery Winners, following a major BBC production at Leigh Town Hall.
The new initiative from Wigan Council, working alongside its cultural partners, means 100 per cent of BBC filming fees will be reinvested back into the town.
A production crew for a prime-time drama is currently on site at the town hall, marking a first significant filming boost for the site.
A range of creative opportunities will be provided for young people as a result, including the chance to document the build-up to chart-toppers The Lottery Winners’ huge hometown gigs at the Progress With Unity Stadium in 2026.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “Leigh is a brilliant place full of young people who have so much to offer and so much potential.
“I’m so proud that we have been able to reinvest 100 per cent of the profits raised through the BBC filming at Leigh Town Hall right back into the local community, working alongside local partners and bringing opportunity to the town; all while boosting our Film Friendly Borough ambitions. This is Progress with Unity in action.”
In partnership with borough-based documentary makers, Northern Heart Film, 22 young people will be given the opportunity to create a feature-length documentary about The Lottery Winners in the build-up to their landmark homecoming show at the Progress with Unity Stadium in May 2026.
It’ll be the band’s first ever headline stadium show, which will see them become the first band to headline the stadium, and follow on from Lionel Richie and Elton John as the only previous musical artists to play their own shows there.
The show marks a culmination of recent success for The Lottery Winners which has seen them achieve two Number 1 albums in recent years (Leigh’s first ever Number 1 albums), and a summer which has seen them perform on festival main stages, as well as supporting and performing with Robbie Williams across his UK and EU stadium tour.
Ten youngsters will be able to come together, meet key industry contacts and create short films about living in Leigh in a 48-hour film and content bootcamp held at the Turnpike Gallery in the new year.
As well as the documentary project, Wigan Council has donated to local arts organisation, Curious Minds, to offer grants of up to £500 to young people aged between 11 and 18 – ringfenced to the town – to allow individuals and organisations to access cultural activities they may not have been able to otherwise.
The result of six months of filming, supported by youngsters from the town, will be a feature length documentary which highlights the highs and lows of touring life with The Lottery Winners.
The finished documentary is set to make its way round international documentary and film festival circuits, with all of the local young creators featured with their very own credit.
Natasha Hawthornthwaite, award winning documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Northern Heart Films, said: “Leigh, Wigan and Greater Manchester have such a great track record of amazing film and music talent, so this is a perfect coming together of screen, film, and music.
“We’re so excited to bring these opportunities to young people. Not only will they get training and hands on experience, but they’ll also be part of something that’s going to have a wider reach.
“At the moment there are limited entry points to the industry for aspiring talent, yet, this industry contributes £125 billion to the economy, so it’s really encouraging to see Wigan Council reinvesting 100 per cent of the profits into supporting local aspiring filmmakers. I’d love to see other areas follow Wigan Council’s lead.”
Jo Platt, the MP for Leigh and Atherton, added: “When film and TV crews come here, they don’t just boost our local economy by supporting cafés and shops, they help to put Leigh on the map. That visibility attracts visitors, inspires regeneration and helps to create a sense of pride in our town.
“It’s fantastic to see Wigan Council reinvesting all profits from the BBC’s filming at Leigh Town Hall back into our community. This is what a Film Friendly Borough should be – creating real opportunities for young people and local talent to explore the creative industries.”
Derri Burdon, chief executive of Curious Minds, said: “Curious Minds is proud to work with Wigan Council to reinvest filming income into small grants for children and young people across the town.
“This funding will open up opportunities for those who might otherwise miss out, giving them the chance to build skills, confidence and insight into film and the wider creative industries – backing home-grown talent to power the region’s creative future.”
To express an interest in filmmaking workshops and opportunities, please complete the Northern Heart Film’s form (external link).
