BBC Radio Five Live: “If you’re on the motorway anywhere in the south of England, you’re either stuck or you soon will be.” Wasn’t much better in the north, either, with most public transport grinding to a halt in Wigan town centre.

Only a fool would venture out in that.

...though to be honest it was actually far worse where I live (not pictured).

I had no idea there even existed a Leigh Rugby Union Club until last weekend. In fact, I’m still not sure it exists (a rugby union club in Wigan Borough?) and I was actually there, for their Victorian Day fayre, no less.

It was a less corporate affair than its heavily hyped commercial cousin the WOW Fest, but was nonetheless fun in its own way. In fact, it was more my type of festival with a more homely, village type feel about the day.

Obligatory pants photography ahoy! Click to view full size.

Mayor Michael Winstanley and Mayoress Judith Atherton kick off proceedings

I ate this whole within the first hour

It wasn't all sunshine, but at least this was only a brief shower

Morris dancers

Genuine Victorian music machine

There are loads more pics over at Leigh Life, so check ‘em out if you feel so inclined. And don’t forget to check back here soon for that article I promised you. Until then, bon appetit.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of distributing leaflets at the WOW Festival, Wigan’s annual event celebrating cultural diversity in the borough. During my breaks, I got the chance to have a bit of a wander round the site,  sample the fantastic (cough) on-site catering grab a few shots of the acts performing on the main stage.

Now I’ve said that I suppose I’d better show you some of them, eh?

That’s Hazara Singh, member of the Asian Music Talent group. Didn’t have time to stick around and enjoy their set as there was so much other stuff elsewhere in the park I wanted to check out.

A bit later in the afternoon, Heritage Survival graced the stage with their African reggae/jazz beats.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Heritage Survival are now based in Wigan. At the time of writing, they’re currently touring the UK, so check them out if you get the chance.

I did actually get a few more photos which you may see at some point in the future. They’re not that good, though. In the meantime, check out the high res versions of the pics in this post by visiting the Illarterate Flickr channel.

Dunno if anyone has noticed, but since the start of the football season about a month ago I’ve been posting some of my photos from Wigan Athletic home games over at Jesus Was A Wiganer and the Illarterate Flickr. Check ‘em out if you feel so inclined. By which I mean do it, man, the bald bloke in the middle (whose name escapes me right now) compels you!

Oh yeah, and buy the latest MudHutter Football Express from the Brickmakers (Wigan) or other such fine establishements, ‘cos there’s a piece in it by me. See if you can guess which one for a free penny sweet.

A view of the Robin Park sports stadium (left) and the DW Stadium (right). Went for Wigan season tickets on the 2nd July (date on which this photo was taken) but decided to wait until the general sale date to get a better seat.

Full size image available to view on the Illarterate Flickr photostream.