Wigan Album
Market Square
8 CommentsPhoto: Frank Orrell
Item #: 32823
Is it possible to have the feature of enlarging these wonderful photos back when you click on them.
I don't remember the Christmas tree that was put up at the rear of the market hall especially in later years than 1968. The Park hotel pub, Warburtons furniture shop and Hope Street methodist church are visible. The two vehicles that have Wigan registrations are possibly AEK746 and CJP 800 or GJP800. Not sure if it is a fire brigade vehicle. There is also a Jaguar or Daimler car and the Lancashire United or Ribble bus.
i wonder if there is any pics from the "big freeze" of 1963 ? .
There used to be a carol service around the tree every Christmas, prior to which in the days before, collection boxes for charity were put in place at each corner of the tree enclosure. Imagine that today - they wouldn't last five minutes.
Now thats what you call a christmas tree. The one we have now is not in the same class.Shame on you Wigan Council.
The one we have now? Where, by God?
The plastic 'tower' in between the Makinson Arcade and the Galleries is an utter joke.
There used to one every year on Pemberton Road up Windy Arbour, but alas the D--k Heads wrecked it for everyone.
Am I right in thinking this picture is now where the New Market Hall building stands?
I was born in the 1970s and I don't remember any large Christmas trees like this ever been erected in the town centre. I do recall smaller trees being placed in the plot on Market Place near where the underground toilets used to be (before they demolished the raised grass area and perimeter wall).
More recently, Christmas trees have been erected in the small square at the bottom of Makinson Arcade & the entrance to the ground floor of the Galleries (where the second Poundbakery is).
There is presently a 'hollow' Christmas tree on this spot which looks like it may have been designed as a Santa's grotto - however this will not be happening this year thanks to Covid19.
This is quite a significant photograph in some respects. I can imagine those folks in 1968 listening to a Christmas brass band and enjoying roasted chestnuts from a market stall. Happy days.
CJ
I remember this tree on the market square very well, used to stop and have a look at it on the way home from my Grandparent's house.