Leigh Welcomes Hold Me Close
Hold Me Close brings a powerful northern story to the stage at Leigh Spinners Mill, with Joe Walsh and Sue McArdle leading a passionate local cast.
Lois Barnett
Howfen journalist featured in Wigan Today and Bolton News. Local stories & events.
Culture
Poetry Twins share tales of love, loss and resilience
Spoken word lovers can hear the Poetry Twins – Rachel Davies and Hilary Robinson – share their moving poems about love, loss, and caring for loved ones with dementia at Bolton Socialist Club, with proceeds supporting dementia charities
Culture
Leigh's unlikely cabaret that's winning over a loyal crowd
The Way Theatre at Leigh Spinners Mill isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of cabaret, which is exactly what makes Get Giddier’s stand out.
Culture
The imposter at the easel
A powerful and intimate production that explores imposter syndrome, identity, and the sacrifices behind artistic ambition.
Life & Community
Get Giddier’s Killer Comedy Club brings comedy scene to life
There’s something special about a sold-out comedy night in Leigh, where top UK comedians bring laughter and energy to Spinners Mill.
Life & Community
The carers who never get a break
Across the UK, 5 million unpaid carers provide essential round-the-clock support for loved ones. The Howfen Journal's Lois Barnett meets one of them for Carers Rights Day.
Opinion
Former officer lifts lid on ‘broken’ police system
Jay Darkmoore says the system “prioritises stats over people”. The Howfen Journal's Lois Barnett went along to listen to what he had to say.
Culture
Oddly Perfect: St. Joseph players bring laughter and charm to The Odd Couple
Performed in front of a full and eager crowd, the show transported the audience back to 1960s New York, blending nostalgia and humour seamlessly on stage. From the very first mismatched moments between Felix Ungar (Wayne Lythgoe) and Oscar Madison (Ciaran Travis), the comedy never missed a beat.
Life & Community
Brighter, bolder and back again: Pride in Leigh shines
Marking its fifth year, Pennington Hall Park was bursting with colour, warmth, and celebration for this year’s Pride in Leigh. Even the flowers seemed to bloom in shades of the rainbow, reflecting the joy and beauty of the day
Culture
A Night for Hovis: laughter, love, and Northern Soul in tribute to a local legend
A heartfelt tribute to Hovis Presley brought together comedy, poetry, and northern soul in a night of laughter and remembrance. Local performers honoured the Bolton poet and comedian.
Culture
Open mic night blends visual art and spoken word
Words and images intertwined yesterday at The Hive Gallery in The Market Place, Bolton, as poetry echoed from the walls in celebration of the Let’s Talk About Text exhibition.
Culture
Art meets language in new exhibition at The Hive Gallery
The installation provides people a foundation to explore on a personal level how text can be a tool to think, reflect and unpack ideas or events for us to connect with moments of the past, present and future.