Old England: Lost to Time. A Celebration of Local History, Film & Music

Folk Music & Industrial Heritage combine, in The Old Courts Victorian Courtroom. 1. Ken Skally – An Industrial History Through Poetry and Song 30-minute talk and performance Local musician and historian Ken Skally presents a journey through the industrial heritage of our area, combining poetry, song and historical storytelling. Exploring the industries that shaped our communities, from child labour and the spinning mills to weaving, the Cotton Famine and the eventual decline of the cotton industry. Accompanied by a presentation on the big screen. 2. Ryan Deakin – Old England: Lost to Time – Behind the Animation Presentation and discussion Animator Ryan Deakin discusses the making of Old England: Lost to Time, an animated film that took over a year to complete. An insight into the animation process, the historical research behind the film, the challenges involved and the craftsmanship required to bring the past back to life. Ryan will also discuss how the film was created entirely without AI, using traditional animation techniques. 3. Lawrence Hoy – Spoken Word & Poetry A spoken-word and poetry contribution exploring themes of local industrial heritage, working-class life and the history of Wigan. Drawing inspiration from the period around the turn of the 20th century, including the coal mines, cotton mills, canals and communities that shaped the area. 4. Quaintest Show on Earth – Original Folk Music & Live Film Performance An original folk music performance from Wigan's own Quaintest Show on Earth, featuring banjolele, box accordion and bass. Blending traditional folk influences with their own distinctive theatrical sound, the band will perform original material before bringing the music and imagery together in a special live accompaniment to Ryan Deakin's short film. Ryan Deakin will also join the band to perform some of his own folk music. Whether you're interested in folk music, local history, heritage, poetry and the arts, you can stay after the performances to network and meet fellow artists.