Home Local News Wigan believes in ‘Billy B’

Wigan believes in ‘Billy B’

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The highly anticipated Billy Boston statue will finally be unveiled on Saturday 3rd September at an event celebrating the rugby great.

The bronze statue, created by Hull sculptor, Steve Winterburn, sits securely in Believe Square and ‘Billy B’ himself will be at the Wigan Council supported event, which starts at 11am.

Billy Boston finished his reign in rugby with 571 career tries in first class matches, which is the most by any British player. It was his astonishing career combined with his continuous charity work, which got him an MBE back in 1996 and is a big reason behind the honorary statue.

Deputy leader of Wigan Council and chairman of the Billy Boston Statue Trust (the group behind the project) Councillor David Molyneux said: “It’s fantastic to see the many businesses, groups and individuals that have donated money towards this project – although not surprising as Billy is well loved across the nation.

“The fact we have managed to fulfill this vision as a result of other people digging deep and giving their time is a testament to Billy the rugby player and also Billy the Wiganer, so I’d like to say thank you to all those involved.

“We have kept the sculpture under wraps from the start, even from Billy and his family, so the reveal will be a fantastic surprise for everybody.” Wigan Zone Youth Brass Band will provide musical entertainment at the start of the open event, which the public are welcome to attend.

The Trust has raised over £90,000, which includes a large donation from Dave Whelan, an anonymous £10,000 donation and £1,000 from international construction company, ISG.

Councillors George Davis, Lol Hunt and Michael McLoughlin have also donated £1,000 each from their share of the Wigan Council Brighter Borough pot.

Unwanted metal from the Wigan Town Hall refurbishments have also been collected and weighed in, which has reduced waste and reaped cost benefits.

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