IF THE “Earth is a common treasury for all” then so is music. Everyone will love something today and after the last 18 months what better way to celebrate being with family and friends than watching great live artists again. What better place than the Diggers festival and what a superb line-up. 

National and local stars combine to provide a variety of genres and each act in its own way will be a joy to see. They have waited a year to perform today so give them all a wonderful Wigan welcome.

The historical Wiend area of the town will be alive with stalls, bars, and a couple of stages. After the Diggers re-enactment on the main stage UkePunk will open the show. Hailing from Ramsbottom, no guitars will be used in the making of their unique sound. 

Hadrian’s Union blend rock songs easily into a contemporary folk setting, delivering a tight eclectic mix that encompasses a range of genres.

Bard Company (Rocky, Bolshy and Punky)  are as well known in Wigan as they are unique. Get ready to laugh, be inspired, outraged and entertained. 

Next up festival regulars Wigan’s True Levellers Samba Band will deliver their thunderous drumming and percussion to move you.

Attila The Stockbroker is a national treasure who is an inspirational writer and a poet. His band Barnstormer 1649 are less well known but are inspired by the 17th-century English revolution, making them a perfect fit for today. A rare opportunity to see them both – do not miss. 

Brandon Lee Webb Band play electric/acoustic blues, rock and folk that’s all about passionate, powerful vocals (bit like an American John Martyn) with soaring slide lines and a smooth and tight rhythm section. 

Joe Solo is a human dynamo – award-winning musician, writer, poet, broadcaster, campaigner – and one of the driving forces behind We Shall Overcome which has raised political consciousness and well over £500,000 for good causes across the UK. A legendary performer and previous recipient of the Golden Spade.

The best festivals always bring great surprises and if you don’t know Headsticks, then check them out. With four excellent LPs under their belt they are one of the best live bands going, mixing politics and passion with infectious tunes. 

Local heroes, folk-rockers Merry Hell always live up to their reputation as great performers. They revel in the joy of the moment on stage, with songs that tell stories, are upbeat, fun and catchy and have good politics. A perfect finale.

Alternating with the main stage, artists and poets perform on the song and story stage. All are excellent so try not to miss them – Rare Ould Times, Lesley Dawson-Heath, Simon Williams, Jethro Platts, Quietest Show on Earth, Jimmy Andrex, Corrie Shelley Band, Bath Tub Gin Band and Isaac Hughes Dennis.   

A superb line up of talented performers at this, the north-west’s premier Festival. Have a wonderful day.

Bob Oram is chair of the Morning Star management committee.