The 'Cultural Revolution' is coming to Leigh!

The Turnpike Centre is putting the 'art' into the heart of the town by opening its doors for a fun-filled day of free cultural events.

Located on Leigh's Civic Square the centre is home to both the Turnpike Gallery and Leigh Library. And staff from both will taking part in the free activities day on Saturday September 18 between noon and 2pm.

The day will also see the launch of the Turnpike's new Cultural Programme, which has been drawn-up following a major review carried out by arts consultants The Cultural Company.

The free event includes, art workshops based around the current African textile exhibition Paroles De Tisserands or Weavers' Word. The exhibition is a partnership between French and African artists and includes textiles from Mali, Ghana and Morocco. More than 1,000 people have already visited the show, which is 'on tour' from Wigan's French twin town of Angers.

Other events include storytelling for the under five's, computer taster sessions for the absolute beginner and poetry readings. Refreshments will be available in the Derby Room.

During the event the centre staff will be gathering feedback from visitors on what they would like to see happen at the Turnpike in the future.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Chief Executive Rodney Hill said: "This is a great opportunity for the people of Leigh to participate in a series of events that will see the whole building operating as one.

"The recent review has created a new vision for the Turnpike which encourages the library and gallery services to work together in providing a cultural programme which is diverse, entertaining and supports local needs."

While Wigan Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Brian Baldwin, added: "The Turnpike is a great facility and now we are hoping to make it even better.

"It has attracted some of the most exciting exhibitions around and we know it will go from strength to strength.

"This is a great opportunity for both regular users of the Turnpike and those who have never been to sample its delights at first hand. I would urge everyone to take part and remember it's not just an invitation to the people of Leigh but to everyone in the borough."

• For more information about this event or the Turnpike Review, please contact WLCT Visual Arts Outreach Officer Martyn Lucas on 01942 404469.

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Notes to Editors