Widnes, Halton – March 2026 — The Borough of Halton has launched its highly anticipated Culture 26 film celebrating the area's rich cultural identity and creative spirit. Culture 26: Made in Halton stars Widnes-born actor Alicia Forde, known for her role in Waterloo Road, and showcases the vibrant communities of Runcorn and Widnes.

Image credit: Alicia Forde recording the audio for the film

Filmed entirely on location in Halton, the production follows Alicia as she explores the borough's cultural landscape—highlighting the people, places, and stories that define its unique character. The film captures the essence of Halton as a place where heritage and creativity intersect, offering an authentic and personal perspective on what culture means to the community. It was produced and edited by Widnes' own Gary Gleavey and features the music of local artists Zen Baseballbat and Pete Bentham and The Dinner Ladies.

Halton's cultural legacy is both rich and diverse. From literary inspiration linked to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, to musical echoes of iconic British artists, the borough has long been a source of creative influence. Its screen presence is equally notable, having featured in well-loved productions including Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Merseybeat, Hollyoaks, and the film Spike Island. Halton has also served as a filming location for major productions, including Danny Boyle's Millions, alongside numerous BBC, Netflix, and ITV projects.

Beyond the screen, Halton is home to a wealth of untold stories spanning heritage, craftsmanship, nature, innovation, and sport—making it a borough that continues to inspire and create.

Culture 26 is a year-long programme dedicated to celebrating existing cultural activity across Halton while making arts and culture more accessible to all. The initiative brings together a wide range of creative disciplines, including visual arts, theatre, music, dance, literature, and digital media—all of which are already thriving within the borough.

The launch of the film coincides with Free Live Music at Widnes Library from Halton Musicians, Mondegreen and Catherine Hardman celebrating the Bookends Festival and Women's History Month. Sat 28 March 12-1.30pm.

A packed calendar of events is planned throughout the year as part of Culture 26, including:

• Pop-up performances and exhibitions at Widnes Market
• Beyond the Tracks music trains running from Runcorn to Chester (May)
• Bookends Festival in partnership with local libraries and Norton Priory
• Culture coach trips and Halton Castle Open Days
• Music 26 programme
• New art murals and public art trails
• Runcorn Town Hall gallery takeover
• Halton Fest, Market Fest, Eco Fest, and Film Fest
• Culture Awards
• Development of the Lewis Carroll Daresbury Trail
• Cabaret Pride, Arts in the Right Place, and seasonal events at The Brindley
• Light Up Halton and more

Councillor Laura Bevan said:
“Halton has a rich cultural heritage, arguably not always getting the recognition it deserves. Having lived here all my life, I've seen first-hand the incredible creativity and imagination that runs through our borough. That's why I'm thrilled we have the chance to showcase it through this year's Borough of Culture. This will be a year of celebration—and just as importantly, a year of community—as we shine a light on what makes us proud to call Halton home. Our goal is for Culture 26 to create a lasting legacy that goes far beyond this one year.”

Actor Alicia Forde comments 'It was an immediate yes when I was asked to be involved in this project. I am proud to be from Halton, and my upbringing has influenced me and my identity. I feel that acting should be a way to tell a story and mirror real life and this film perfectly captures everything about Halton.''

For more information about Culture 26, upcoming events visit the Visit Halton website. Visithalton.co.uk

Link to watch the film https://we.tl/t-NP2DEGrCmCq5zvx3

Notes to editors

For interviews, further images or for more information about Culture 26 please email alexis@viv-id.co.uk

The Liverpool City Region (LCR) Borough of Culture is an annual initiative, launched in 2019 under Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram's "2% for Culture" program, which rotates through the region's six constituent boroughs. It celebrates local creativity and heritage, providing funding for specialized cultural events to promote economic and community benefits across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral. 

The film was commissioned by Halton Borough Council and their official partner for Culture 26; Made In Halton, Cultivate Halton and was funded partly by UKSPF.