Leigh Civic Square opens with free shows on 12 September

Leigh’s revamped Civic Square will open with a free public launch event on Saturday, 12 September, from 11am to 3pm. The celebration at Civic Square in Leigh town centre will feature contemporary circus theatre, live music, dance and hands-on craft activities.

Wigan Council says the Civic Square Launch Event is open to the public. No booking instructions have been provided, so visitors should rely on the confirmed four-hour event window when planning their visit.

Circus, music and creative activities in the square

Two outdoor performances will form the centre of the launch programme. One is described as a vibrant contemporary circus theatre show. The other will bring together musicians, dancers and cooks from around the world in a live production.

Visitors will also be able to take part in creative activities. The Turnpike Centre will lead a jelly-printing session, while Wigan and Leigh Archive Service will deliver a LEGO building project.

The programme gives residents and visitors an early look at how the redesigned square can accommodate community events. Wigan Council has confirmed that further events are scheduled there over the coming months, although no additional dates are included in the launch announcement.

What visitors will see in the redesigned Civic Square

The launch follows a major programme of improvements intended to make Civic Square a more welcoming place to meet, relax and attend events. The work includes new paving and seating, improved landscaping, enhanced lighting and other public-realm features.

Local history has been built into the redesign. A heritage timeline, developed with input from the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley Heritage Group, records events and milestones connected with the square from 1762 to the present day.

A poem by Leigh Young Writers, created with local poets Louise Fazackerley and Natasha Tingle, has been engraved into the paving. The Pete Shelley Memorial Group will plant a cherry tree in its memorial garden, while the square’s Believe Stars have been refreshed. A new star celebrating chart-topping Leigh band The Lottery Winners is also due to be installed.

Councillor Dane Anderton, Wigan Council’s portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said community groups had helped redesign the square. He described the opening as part of a longer effort to increase footfall, encourage investment and strengthen local pride.

Confirmed details for Saturday’s launch

The council’s announcement does not provide transport, parking or accessibility information. Anyone who needs those details should check for updated information from Wigan Council before travelling.

The square forms a central part of the wider Leigh Regeneration Project, backed by £11.4 million in UK Government funding. Related work includes grants for town-centre shopfronts and a refurbishment of Leigh Market, where significant construction is expected to begin in early 2027. Traders are set to move temporarily into units inside Spinning Gate shopping centre once work starts at the current market hall.

Source: Wigan Council