Hi
It does not seem so long ago that Wigan and district became a ghost town for the next week.
I remember with three other lads getting on a train (no corridors)to Blackpool, from Walgate Station. We started off going south crossing Warrington Road Ince by Laycocks then past the back of Belle Green Lane and over the viaduct near Boars Head then joining the main line near what was Standish station. Journey time less than one hour.
Most of Wigan seemed to be in Blackpool, that week, being posh we stopped in Clevelys.
It didn't rain, but then again it did not get very hot.
Alan

Town: Ashton

I never experienced Wakes Week, but I do remember the annual trip to Blackpool Illuminations. In the days before the M6 the coach used to meander through Lancashire, stopping near Preston for a pub break, before proceeding to Blackpool. Arriving there, most of the coach party used to descend on the nearest pub, where they stayed until the coach departed for home. I think I went for five or six years before I actually saw the illuminations. Those old traditions are gone, I presume :)

- David -