FRENCH culture will be celebrated with a jam-packed schedule of cultural events next week.

Starting on Monday, March 27, 'Francophonie Week' will run until Saturday, April 1 to celebrate the ongoing twinning of Angers in France and Wigan.

Events including cocktail-making classes, a quiz, cinema, cheese and wine tasting and a language café will take place across the borough in Wigan, Leigh and Tyldesley.

At Tyldesley Library, people can get involved in informal French language sessions while residents can enjoy two hours of cheese and wine tasting at the Turnpike in Leigh.

There will be a showing of popular French film, Amelie, at Leigh Film Factory, as well as a host of other activities in Wigan.

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Leigh Journal: The Pont de Verdun bridge in AngersThe Pont de Verdun bridge in Angers (Image: Ambassadress from Angers)

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities, said: “Our lasting friendship with Angers was made over 35 years ago and remains strong to this day.

“I’m so excited that we can offer our residents with what’s set to be a brilliant schedule of events.

“Culture is a really important part of what we offer here at Wigan Council, including in the delivery of our cultural manifesto The Fire Within, and we’re really excited to celebrate Francophonie Week.”

Leigh Journal: Francophonie Week will have events taking place across the borough next weekFrancophonie Week will have events taking place across the borough next week (Image: Wigan Council)

The town’s twinning began with a cultural exchange between two colleges and was made official on September 10, 1988.

The twinning has continued to grow over the years and now involves a wide network of organisations, including businesses, schools and colleges, sports, and culture.

The Ambassadress of Angers, Lucie Thecua, added: “I am very excited about the upcoming events and to share a little of my culture with the residents of the borough: there are a lot of different events for everyone.

“Whether you like watching films, tasting French food, making French-themed cocktails, testing your French knowledge and language, or doing crafts with your family, there is something for everyone.”

For more information, follow this link.