Wigan heritage brand creates ‘Madame Mint Ball’ for Pride parade

Inside a workshop in Wigan, the rustle of thousands of cellophane wrappers fills the air as Lisa Burney and Jess Davies work on a garment unlike any other. The founders of the upcycling community interest company ReDoo CIC are currently navigating the technical challenges of turning confectionery packaging into high fashion. Their goal is the creation of Madame Mint Ball, a brand-new drag persona set to lead the upcoming Wigan Pride festivities.

The project represents a significant collaboration between one of the town’s oldest industrial icons and the modern local LGBTQ+ community. Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, a staple of the region since 1898, has provided the raw materials for the costume. Operating from the same town centre factory since 1919, the family-run business is lending its brand identity to the celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Thousands of wrappers and a roll of duct tape

The construction of the Madame Mint Ball dress has proven to be a test of engineering as much as artistry. Jess Davies noted that the specific material of the Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls wrappers presented unforeseen difficulties during the assembly process. The team initially experimented with traditional garment construction methods, including stapling and stitching, but found the material too resilient or prone to tearing.

The solution came in the form of heavy-duty duct tape, which is now being used to secure the thousands of individual wrappers into a shimmering, structured gown. This upcycling effort by ReDoo CIC serves a dual purpose: it highlights the potential for creative reuse of waste materials while celebrating a visual symbol synonymous with Wigan’s heritage.

Craig Bourne, a member of the Wigan Pride Committee, is the individual tasked with bringing the persona to life. He will step into the role of Madame Mint Ball on the day of the event, wearing the completed upcycled costume for the duration of the parade. For Bourne, the experience is a first, but one he views as a vital show of support for the local community.

A century of Wigan tradition joins the parade

The partnership was not the result of a formal corporate pitch but rather a chance encounter at a ‘Believe in Business’ event held last year. ReDoo CIC and Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls occupied adjacent stalls, leading to a factory tour and the discovery of shared values regarding community and sustainability.

Anita Taulty, sales and office manager at Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, emphasized that while the company is a well-known brand, it remains a small, family-operated entity. The decision to support Wigan Pride 2026 through this creative collaboration, rather than a purely financial sponsorship, allows the business to engage directly with the borough’s residents. Taulty described the partnership as a way to thank local customers who have supported the factory for over a century, signaling that the brand is inclusive of everyone in the Wigan Borough community.

Beyond the parade costume, the factory is also producing a limited-edition Wigan Pride tin. These collectible items will be available for purchase at the Uncle Joe’s stall during the event, offering a tangible way for attendees to mark the occasion.

Practical details for the August 8th celebration

The Wigan Pride parade is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th, and will serve as the opening event for the day’s celebrations. Madame Mint Ball will be a central figure in the procession through the town centre streets, where she will be distributing free Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls to the gathered crowds.

The project has received backing from several local partners, including Wigan Council, Calisen, and RADCaT. This support ensures that the event remains a free, accessible celebration for all residents. Organizers have indicated that further announcements regarding the full lineup of artists, guest speakers, and specific activities will be released periodically as the date approaches.

Those interested in the progress of the Madame Mint Ball costume or looking for updates on the parade route can monitor the official Wigan Pride social media channels. The committee continues to welcome inquiries from local businesses interested in non-traditional support or sponsorship for the 2026 event.

Source: Wigan Council