Frequently Asked Questions

We have gathered a few commonly asked questions you may have about Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust. If you have any further questions please email hello@wha-trust.org.

Who are Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust?

We’re a new charity with a big legacy. Formally established in 2023, Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust exists to enrich lives through culture, creativity, and the care of our town’s historic spaces.

We carry forward the incredible work that Arts at the Mill CIC achieved through The Old Courts, a nationally celebrated example of grassroots cultural regeneration. What began in 2014 with a disused courthouse grew into a creative powerhouse, hosting thousands of events, supporting artists, and putting Wigan’s culture on the map.

Now, as a charity, we’re building on that foundation, with a renewed focus on public benefit, inclusion, and long-term impact.

What does Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust do?

We connect people with culture, creativity, and heritage across Wigan Borough. Our work includes:

Hosting gigs, theatre, art exhibitions, festivals, and family events

We support artists, young people, and local groups with opportunities, space, and resources.

Running community projects, and creative programmes

Celebrating and preserving Wigan’s stories, traditions, and identity through story telling, collaboration and participation.

We believe everyone should have access to the arts and their own heritage — and that creativity belongs at the heart of everyday life.

Who are we for?

We believe culture belongs to everyone, no matter your background, age, or postcode.

We work with and for the people of Wigan, placing communities at the heart of everything we do.

Whether you’re an artist, a heritage lover, a gig-goer or just curious, there’s a place for you here.

What is different now that you’re a charity?

Becoming a registered charity gives us greater stability, access to more funding, and stronger public accountability. It allows us to grow what’s already been achieved and ensure that the work continues to benefit communities in the long term.

The spirit of The Old Courts remains, creative, ambitious, and rooted in Wigan.

Why the change?

We’ve transitioned from a Community Interest Company (CIC) to a registered charity to better reflect our mission and values.

Becoming a charity strengthens our commitment to public benefit, transparency, and long-term impact.

This change allows us to access new funding streams, improve governance, and better serve our communities.

What is staying the same?

Our purpose remains the same: bringing people together through creativity, culture, and heritage across the Wigan Borough.

The Old Courts is still here as a venue, a team, and a powerful symbol of what’s possible through grassroots culture.

Our commitment to community, creativity, and inclusion is unchanged and unwavering.

What is Changing

Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust is now the charity operating The Old Courts. It is no longer run by Arts at the Mill CIC.

We have a new governance structure with a board of independent trustees providing accountability and strategic leadership.

We’re operating under a clear charitable framework, focused on outcomes that benefit local people.

What does this mean for you?

For audiences, artists, and communities: 
This means more opportunities, more transparency, and a stronger foundation for the future.

For funders and partners:
This means a clearer, more sustainable structure for investment and collaboration.

For our staff and volunteers:
A renewed sense of purpose and support in delivering our mission.

Is there any disruption to events or private hires?

The transition to a charity does not impact any of our upcoming programming, or events including private hires such as gigs, weddings or parties. Additionally our popular Space to Create/Space to Inspire programmes are still active.

The only change will be for anyone invoicing The Old Courts. These will now need to be addressed to Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust. Our invoicing guides have been updated to reflect this change.

Why now?

The shift to charity status is part of our recovery and renewal . Strengthening how we work and who we work for. We want to ensure our work has lasting impact, rooted in trust, openness, and public good.

How can people get involved?

There are lots of ways to be part of the journey:

Come to our events : live music, theatre, workshops and more

Share your ideas about culture, local places, and our heritage

Volunteer or collaborate: help shape the future of culture in Wigan

We’ll also be recruiting for new trustees and opening up public conversations about our next phase of growth. Everyone is welcome.

What is the vision for the future?

A Wigan where culture and creativity are part of everyday life for everyone. A town where local people shape the future of their place. And where the arts are not just entertainment, but tools for joy, pride, learning, and connection. We’re here to help make that happen and we can’t do it without you.

When will The Old Courts' Grand Vault and Theatre Reopen?

The move to a charity comes after a period of significant reflection and recovery following the forced closure of the two main venues at The Old Courts in 2023 due to structural damage caused by building contractors. Thankfully the process of reinstating the spaces has now begun following payout confirmation from insurers which will enable the new contractors to be appointed to carry out repairs. The expected relaunch of the spaces is expected early 2026.

How to donate?

We are currently in the process of setting this up securely. We will be taking donations soon. Thank you.