A life-size bronze statue of Prestwich-born comedy icon Victoria Wood is to be unveiled in Bury town centre this Friday afternoon.
Family, friends and colleagues of the late comedian, actor and writer will gather in the town’s Library Gardens at 2pm to remove the covers from the statue, crafted by renowned artist Graham Ibbeson.
The statue – a joint project of Bury Council and Victoria’s estate – was funded in part by a Crowdfunding appeal set up by Victoria’s brother Chris Foote Wood. Many donations were received from Victoria’s fans from Bury and beyond.
The event on Friday will also see The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band playing a selection of Victoria’s music, including The Ballad of Barry and Freda and much-loved theme tunes from her shows.
There will be a one-off show, now completely sold out, celebrating Victoria’s life and career at The Met, Bury, on Saturday 18 May in aid of the Bury Hospice. Actors including Thelma Barlow and Duncan Preston will be sharing their fond memories and discussing what made Victoria such a popular performer.
The free Victoria Wood Exhibition, currently running at Bury Art Museum, will be open as usual on Friday afternoon and Saturday, and will be open specially on Sunday. It features hundreds of artefacts all owned by Victoria herself, including original scripts, song sheets, photos and costumes.
Leader of Bury Council Cllr Rishi Shori said: “Victoria Wood touched the hearts of millions with her talent for comedy. That she came from Bury is an enormous sense of pride for local people, and we couldn’t be happier that Library Gardens, in the heart of our town, has been chosen as a place for this wonderful, permanent memorial to her.
“We are hoping that along with the people closest to Victoria Wood, including her family, close friends and colleagues, her fans from Bury and beyond will come down and join us as we pay tribute to one of our own.
“The statue will not only serve as a reminder of Victoria’s many achievements but I hope will also act as an inspiration to others to use their own talents.”
