
PHOTO TOUR: Wigan 2025
21 November – 24 November

Wigan was made famous in George Orwell’s book ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’ which highlighted the bleak living conditions of the working classes in this northern town. The industrial revolution made way for countless mills and mines in the area, and a lot of them still stand as testaments to a different age and a different way of life.
We will explore the foggy and damp atmosphere of the back alleys, Victorian brick and then contrasting this bleakness with the sprawling beauty of Rivington Park, and the decaying gardens of Lever Park. Ian grew up here and knows the place like the back of his hand – the cobbled streets, the remnants of an industrial town that was once heaving with activity. We will embrace the wet, the grey and the cold as that’s what atmosphere is all about – moody scenes that tell stories of a past that lingers. We will also visit Lancashire Mining Museum with its intricate mine shaft. Wigan Pier and Trencherfield Mill are also on the itinerary as classic industrial landmarks.
We will be staying at the Swan and Railway Hotel next to the railway station. It’s got lots of character and a pub too, and is the perfect starting point for exploring the hidden gems of this old mining community.
As an additional feature we will be introducing some local models to add something extra to the images.
We, Grete and Ian, are keeping the group small with only 6 participants. This ensures we can be on hand to help you with the technical aspects but also ideas, composition and most of all, how to capture atmosphere and meaning in your images.
Join us—Grete and Ian—for a unique photographic journey into the heart of Britain’s industrial soul.
WHO IS IT FOR:
Anyone who would love to join a group of friendly photography enthusiasts on a weekend trip and want to learn a bit more about how to create mood and atmosphere in their photography.
WHEN:
21-24 November 2025
WHERE:
Wigan, a small industrial town north of Manchester.
TICKETS:
£1,000 but with a £150pp discount for sharing a room. Deposit £500. Only 6 spaces. Prices include hotel accommodation and travel from hotel to locations in people carrier. Travel to and from Wigan is not included, neither is food & drink.
CONTACT / RSVP:
Grete on 07885899908 [email protected]
Ian on 07775 933371
FUTURE EVENTS:
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