The multi-award winning Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra was formed in 1976 by the Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council. Essentially a training ground for young musicians, the Orchestra aims to develop the skills of its members though the performance of big band music from the 1930's to the 1990's. This outstanding Jazz Orchestra has received many national and international honours and were winners of the 1994 BBV Radio Big Band Competition. A three week tour of the Far East and Australia was arranged in August 1998 to celebrate twenty one years of WYJO. Concerts and workshoops took place in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Perth, Sydney & Brisbane. The Orchestra has worked with many ofhte wold's top musicians including Maynard Ferguson, James Morrison, Bobby Shew, Marion Montgomery, Salena Jones, Georgie Fame, Don Lusher, Kenny Baker, Tommy Whittle, Buddy Childers, Conte Candoli, Bill Perkins, Bill Watrous, Elaine Delmar.