The annual Boxing Day fancy dress party in Wigan will still go ahead this year – hosted virtually by United We Stream GM in partnership with Wigan Council.
The town’s fun-loving tradition appeared in jeopardy due to COVID-19, with fears it would have to be cancelled completely for the first time in 42 years.
But it has now been confirmed that the party will go ahead in a different format – moving online as part of United We Stream’s bumper festive programme.
Residents of Wigan Borough and beyond will be encouraged to dress up and tune in from their living rooms, as the event kicks off with a world premiere of new movie ‘42’: inspired by the costumes and memories of Boxing Day fancy dress in the Greater Manchester borough.
Performances from MC Finchy, DJ Kenty, DJ Caino, Kyle H, DJ Harvey, Danny Mac and Jake Slater will all follow.
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Creative directors of The Fire Within AL and AL said: “Wigan Boxing Day Fancy Dress is created by the people for the people, it’s one of the most exciting nights and important cultural traditions in the annual calendar of our Borough. We are buzzing that this year we can keep that tradition going by inviting everyone to share their fancy dress bubble house-parties and stream the fun online together.”
The leader of Wigan Council, Coun David Molyneux added: “We have all had to make changes to our lives this year and Boxing Day will be no different.
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“As this challenging year draws to a close, it’s important to think differently so this uplifting tradition continues to thrive.
“We’re delighted to be working with United We Stream, who will help us to harness the annual enthusiasm, creativity and excitement that people across the country bring to Wigan on Boxing Day.”
Four specially curated productions will take place on December 18, 19, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve as part of the United We Stream Christmas programme.
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December 18 kicks off with a Manchester music documentary: Manchester Music Then and Now: Music Worth Fighting For.
Produced and directed by Marketing Manchester’s Simon Donoghue, the short film “celebrates the people and places who make up Greater Manchester’s contemporary music scene” – featuring a stellar cast of famous Manc musicians.
On Saturday December 19, United We Stream GM will provide the soundtrack to an ideal Saturday night stay-at-home party, bringing together some of the finest moments from their archive of more than 300 talented DJs, performers and artists.
Boxing Day is the Wigan takeover, and a special 24-hour Hacienda House Party will launch on New Year’s Eve – featuring many of the biggest and best-known DJs in the world including; Moby, Todd Terry, David Morales, DJ Paulette and Norman Jay MBE.
The marathon broadcast will begin at 10am on New Year’s Eve, containing a live performance by Haçienda Classical with Manchester Camerata and the AMC Choir.
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Greater Manchester Night-time Economy Adviser and United We Stream executive producer, Sacha Lord said:
“Greater Manchester is known to party. One of the highlights of the calendar, is Boxing Day, and there’s no bigger party, than the Wigan Boxing Day Party.
“Traditionally this is a time when 10,000’s people come out to the streets of Wigan, in fancy dress, tummies full of turkey and their dancing shoes on. The turkeys still happening, but sadly, we won’t be able to take to the streets. That won’t stop the party though and United We Stream GM are bringing the streets to you.
“We hope that these four very different shows will allow you a bit of escapism for a few hours. As always, United We Stream GM will be completely free to watch, and I know for many that money is very tight, but if you can spare a pound or two, that would be great, and your donation will go straight to our chosen, local good causes.”
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
The Manc -
16th December 2020 
