Prepare To Be WOWED - Wigan United for One World Festival

Monday 30th July 2007

Thousands of people are expected to unite and enjoy this year's Wigan One World (WOW) Festival on Sunday 5th August in Mesnes Park.

The free event, now in its fifth year, unites people of all ages, races and places for a summer party of music, dance and drama. WOW, organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, welcomes performers from all over the world to celebrate cultural diversity in the Wigan Borough.

The 2006 WOW Festival was attended by over 6,000 people. Anticipation for this year’s event is building fast with a collection of well known Wiganers giving their backing.

Jacqui Boardman, Chair of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, enthused: "The WOW Festival represents all that we are trying to achieve at Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. It is a wonderful family event that celebrates diversity in a fun and active way. Mesnes Park is always buzzing with energy on WOW Festival day. For the thousands who attend it is a memorable action packed day of entertainment and laughter."

Mayor of the Borough of Wigan, Cllr John O’Brien, says: "The WOW Festival continues to go from strength to strength and its influence now stretches far beyond the boundaries of our borough. Its success is the result of the enthusiasm and commitment of traditional and new communities who come together to celebrate the rich cultural mix that the borough of Wigan has become. We are delighted to see that so many people are willing to share their cultural traditions in the spirit of creating not just greater understanding but a sense of pride. Above all the WOW festival is about having fun! All in all it’s a great day out and one not to be missed!"

Writer, broadcaster and local lad, Stuart Maconie said: "It’s inspiring to see such a cosmopolitan event taking place in the heart of Wigan. The borough is renowned for its Lancastrian traditions, but to see the cultures of the world being embraced in Mesnes Park through music and dance is wonderful and is something for everyone to enjoy."

Hollyoaks Star, Leah Hackett, also added her support: "The WOW Festival is a fantastic celebration of all that is great about Wigan. This year’s event looks to be more fun than ever. I hope everyone who goes along has a great day and enjoys some outdoors fun in sunshine and style."

Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings said: "Ever since I've been here I've realised that the people of Wigan have a great community spirit. The WOW Festival is a great example of that spirit and the energy and sense of fun Wigan is becoming renowned for. So get your self down to the WOW Festival this Sunday and enjoy lots of great entertainment for all ages and help celebrate what is great about our town."

Wigan Warriors skipper Sean O’Loughlin added: "The Wigan One World Festival is a great event that really embodies the strong community spirit we have here in Wigan. It's brilliant to see families and friends come together to enjoy one big party in the park. I wish everyone who goes to Mesnes Park this Sunday a fantastic time and I hope lots of young people get involved in all of the sport and arts activities planned for the big day."

Mehmood Ahmed, from Wigan's Rafiki Motswako project for young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, said: "The WOW festival has enabled the Rafiki project’s young people to celebrate their cultures and get involved in the various activities on offer. Last year the group set up a display featuring the multi-cultural collage banner which they developed to reflect the diversity that exists in the borough. We are looking forward to attending the festival this Sunday to enjoy the music, dance, food and the welcoming atmosphere."

Highlights of this year's Wigan One World Festival line up include:

• Ballet Enteredanzas: contemporary flamenco into uncharted territories;
• Academy of Show Arts: no-nonsense break dance from the streets of Gaza;
• Acitae: the roots of Cuban music and dance;
• Al Assala: beautifully mixing the old and new melodies of Tunisia;
• Anatolien Dreams: an exciting mix of traditional, oriental and German street dance;
• Mauna kea: physical theatre and dance featuring costumes, flags and fire;
• La Zona: spicing up the park with Costa Rican hip hop;
• Ecludir azul: traditional Portuguese percussion with show stopping street dance;
• Roots & Routes: multi-cultural group with a passion for music and dance;
• Kozman Ti Dalon: incredible Maloya music with acrobatic stage fighting.

Local performers will also take centre stage during the day including the Thistle Society, Anvil Street Drummers, Dynamite Dancers, the Wigan and Leigh Kurdish Cultural Association and the Wigan Malayalee Association. There is also the chance for people to peruse a variety of community stalls on site. Of which, one highlight will the chance for people to view the exciting plans for the Mesnes Park restoration project.

The Kick Racism message will also be alive and well at WOW this year. Free football, rugby, netball and multi skills taster sessions will take place for young people, thanks to the Trust's Sports Development Unit and Atherton Dragons ARLFC. There will also be lots of Kick Racism prizes given away including t-shirts, signed memorabilia, tickets and even a hamper!

The WOW Festival takes place in Mesnes Park, Wigan, on Sunday 5th August. Activities and performances start at 12pm and run through until 5pm. All events are free to enjoy and families are welcome.

All visitors to the WOW Festival should note that the Wigan town centre alcohol ban also applies in Mesnes Park. Free parking around the town centre is available on Sundays. For further information see www.wlct.org or contact Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s festivals team on 01942 486929.