Wigan Borough Dance Festival 2026 was a massive hit and our biggest edition yet
Dazzling, electrifying, show-stopping - these are just some of the words you would’ve been reaching for after attending our ninth annual Wigan Borough Dance Festival this year. Bringing together schools, colleges, community groups, and North West dance schools into a packed-out lineup for a fantastic five-day festival has been nothing short of exhilarating and uplifting. We couldn’t have done it without the dedication and hard work of our staff, crew, and dancers.
Photo: Owen Peters
The Festival in Numbers
Before we take you through some of our highlights from the marathon week of movement that took place at Wigan’s iconic venue, The Edge, here are some impressive statistics from our 2026 dance festival:
5 huge days of exhilarating dance performances, workshops, and warm-ups
60 inclusive, expert-led dance workshops across contemporary, jazz, lyrical & more
5000 audience members across the week
10 hours of live performances from 1910 dancers, including:
39 primary schools
7 high schools
2 colleges
9 local dance schools
3 inclusive community groups
Breaking barriers in age, ability, and accessibility
This year’s Wigan Borough Dance Festival accommodated 95 groups, with showcases from some of our most advanced stars as well as those taking their first steps in movement and expression.
Our youngest dancers, boldly and bravely performed acrobatics on stage to our amazed audience, whilst our Youth Theatre mini group fearlessly sang ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’ in-between dance moves. On the other end of the spectrum, high schools, colleges, local dance schools and our own Spirix Seniors took control of the limelight with well-honed performances across street and contemporary dance.
Community Group ‘More Than Words’ took a stand onstage through physical movement and groove, not letting disability disrupt dance. And who could forget our nightly finale? The fabulous Italiah’s show-stopping tribute to Caribbean carnival culture.
We set out to reflect the real, varied, and diverse world back at Wigan, and make all voices heard loudly through dance.
Spirix Creatives led the way with headline energy
Spirix Creatives led with power and presence throughout the week, inspiring the many other dancers, teachers, and audience members.
As well as performing their standout new work - including the celebratory commercial dance opener each night, the carnival finale, and a haunting tribute to the TV show ‘Traitors’ - they provided professional performance opportunities to young people taking part, helping them carve out their own path in the dance industry.
Spirix Creatives - Photography by Owen Peters
Action-packed days, non-stop dancing
With workshops, tech rehearsals, and warm-ups taking place each day, our participants were constantly moving, learning, and enjoying the community spirit that flowed through the festival.
It was a week marked by engagement and interaction, as well as laughs, bonding, and pure joy as dancers, teachers, and creative energy combined. Guest workshops by Luke Whitefoot (lyrical), Edge Hill University (contemporary), Movema (Ceilidh) and many more kept our dancers inspired from the mornings until showtime.
Ince CE Primary School - Photography by Owen Peters
Impacting lives through dance
Each year we are immensely proud of our dancers, staff, and crew that make the festival such an awe-inspiring experience for all in attendance.
Looking ahead to next year, we’re already immensely excited for March 2027, when we’ll return to The Edge once again for another spectacular Wigan Borough Dance Festival.
A special mention goes to our funders Arts Council England, Granada Foundation and Wigan Council.
Collide Dance Company - Photography by Owen Peters
