The Wigan Borough Dance Festival will take place from Tuesday 24 March to Saturday 28 March 2026 at The Edge. The annual festival brings together schools, youth groups, local dance schools and arts organisations from across the borough to celebrate dance.
In 2026, the festival will feature 1,910 participants from 95 schools and groups, supported by over 60 professional artists. Performances will range from primary school pupils performing for the first time to experienced youth dance groups and college students, as well as professional dancers.
The festival is non-competitive and focuses on inclusion, creativity and collaboration. The theme for 2026 is Together We Dance, reflecting the festival’s aim to bring communities together. The programme will conclude with a carnival-inspired finale featuring hundreds of dancers performing together. A key focus this year is encouraging more boys and young men to take part in dance.
Highlights of the programme include:
Wigan Schools Platforms (Tuesday to Thursday) – performances from primary and secondary schools across the borough.
Greater Manchester Schools Platform (Friday) – performances from young dancers across Greater Manchester, with appearances from Company Chameleon, Edge Hill University, and Spirix Creatives
Grassroots Community Dance Celebration (Friday evening) – featuring local community groups including WYZ, More Than Words, Everything Human Rights, and Spirix Collective
Dance Showcase and Carnival Finale (Saturday) – all participating schools perform together in the festival finale
The festival is led by Spirix Collective, which provides workshops, rehearsals and creative support to help young people develop confidence, choreography skills and aspirations in dance.
The Wigan Borough Dance Festival is funded by Arts Council England, Wigan Council and the Granada Foundation.
Event Details
Dates: Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 March 2026
Location: The Edge Arena, Riveredge, Wigan WN3 5AB
Website: wiganboroughdancefestival.com
