Wigan heritage brand joins Pride parade with unique Madame Mint Ball debut

Eleanor Finch Author 2026-05-21 12:43 3 min read

Contents

A century of Wigan confectionery heritage supports local diversity
The technical challenge behind the Madame Mint Ball persona
Joining the parade through Wigan town centre on August 8th

Inside a workshop in Wigan, thousands of crinkling cellophane wrappers are being meticulously layered and secured. This isn’t a standard recycling project; it is the birth of a new local icon. Lisa Burney and Jess Davies, the founders of the upcycling community interest company ReDoo CIC, are currently wrestling with the signature packaging of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls to create a one-of-a-kind drag costume.

The material has proven to be a formidable opponent for the designers. After failed attempts at stitching and stapling the slippery wrappers, the team has turned to duct tape to ensure the structural integrity of the gown. This shimmering creation will soon be worn by Craig Bourne, a Wigan Pride committee member, who will step into the spotlight as Madame Mint Ball for the 2026 celebrations.

A century of Wigan confectionery heritage supports local diversity

Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls has been a fixture of the local economy since 1898. The company has operated from the same town centre factory since 1919, surviving world wars and economic shifts while remaining a family-run business. This year, the brand is leveraging its deep roots to signal a message of modern inclusion.

Anita Taulty, the sales and office manager at Uncle Joe’s, notes that while the business is small, its commitment to the borough is significant. The partnership with Wigan Pride is intended as a thank-you to the local customer base that has supported the factory for over 100 years. By participating in the event, the brand aims to demonstrate that all members of the Wigan community are valued, regardless of their background.

To mark the occasion, the company is also producing a limited-edition Wigan Pride tin. These collectable items will be available at the Uncle Joe’s stall during the event, offering residents a tangible piece of local history that reflects the town’s evolving social landscape.

The technical challenge behind the Madame Mint Ball persona

The collaboration was sparked by a chance encounter at the Believe in Business event in 2025. A conversation between the ReDoo CIC founders and the Uncle Joe’s team revealed shared values regarding sustainability and community spirit. Both Lisa Burney and Jess Davies had previous experience designing costumes for drag performers, making the transition to a wrapper-based gown a natural, if difficult, progression.

ReDoo CIC focuses on creative upcycling, and the Madame Mint Ball project serves as a high-profile demonstration of how waste materials can be repurposed into art. The project has received additional support from Calisen and RADCaT, highlighting a broad coalition of local businesses backing the initiative.

Joining the parade through Wigan town centre on August 8th

Craig Bourne will debut the Madame Mint Ball persona on Saturday, 8th August. As the drag queen representing one of the town’s most famous exports, Bourne will lead the parade that traditionally opens the Wigan Pride festivities. Throughout the day, the character will interact with the crowds and distribute free Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, bringing a literal taste of Wigan heritage to the event.

For Bourne, the experience of becoming a drag queen for the day is a new venture, but one he views as essential for showing community support. The partnership represents a decade of planning and dialogue between the Pride committee and the confectionery brand, showcasing how local institutions can collaborate through creative contribution rather than just financial sponsorship.

Further details regarding the full lineup of artists, guest speakers, and specific parade timings will be released by Wigan Council and the Pride committee as the August date approaches. Residents are encouraged to follow local social media channels for updates on the route and the full schedule of activities planned for the town centre.

Source: Wigan Council