The Turnpike Gallery invites visitors into a world of creativity, folklore and community storytelling with Make. Believe., an ambitious exhibition running from 27th May to 18th December 2026. This long‑form creative project, developed with HF Works CIC and the residents of Higher Folds in Leigh, transforms the gallery into a space where imagination and local identity come together in surprising and magical ways.

Led by artist Sophie Mahon, Make. Believe. explores how people see, experience and shape the place they live. Over many months, Sophie and HF Works CIC have worked closely with residents, gathering stories, memories, humour and home‑grown mythologies that reveal the heart of the Higher Folds community.

The exhibition brings these stories to life through a rich mix of artworks and installations. Visitors can expect to encounter:

• an interactive film

• giant glass marbles

• a playful museum of archaeology

• engraved stone sculptures

• photographs, poetry and community‑made artworks

• a beautifully illustrated Tolkienesque map of Higher Folds

  
  

These pieces celebrate everything from local legends like the Monkey Tree, Marble Forest and Smokey Mountain, to the everyday magic found in the overlooked corners of community life.

Make. Believe. also highlights the creative talents emerging from Higher Folds. Stone mason Oliver Beatty is carving residents’ words into stones that will return to the woodland, while visual artist Rae Higgs has created an interactive game inspired by local stories. A custom soundscape by musician Malakai Skull adds another layer of atmosphere to the exhibition.

The project has also supported the next generation of artists, with Lucy Evans, Eleanor Ferguson and members of the Turnpike Creative Community contributing to workshops, curation and new commissions. Artworks created during the Turnpike Summer Print Tour also feature, showcasing the creativity of communities across the borough.

Funded by Arts Council England, Wigan Council and the Resilient Cities Network, Make. Believe. is a celebration of imagination, collaboration and the power of local stories. It’s a thoughtful, uplifting exhibition that invites visitors to rediscover wonder in the everyday.