Victoria Wood statue returns to Bury town centre

Thursday, 6 March 2025 13:45

By David Murphy

At the re-unveiling of the Victoria Wood statue are (from left) Cllr Charlotte Morris; Chris Foote-Wood; the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Khalid Hussain and Mrs Carol Bernstein.

A memorial statue of the beloved Bury actress and comedian Victoria Wood has been reinstated in Bury town centre.

The statue was knocked over in a traffic accident last summer, but has today resumed its place at the Unitarian Church Gardens.

The full-size bronze statue - a joint project of Bury Council and Victoria’s estate – was created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson. It was originally 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.

Mr Foote-Wood was among those at today’s re-unveiling along with the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain.

He said: “Victoria died at the peak of her powers, and it’s great to remember her in the heart of Bury – right opposite the library which she was a member of, and once sent a cheque to for the overdue books she hadn’t returned!

“I did get a shock when someone called me and said my sister had been knocked down! But I’m grateful to the council for sorting everything out, and at no cost to the taxpayer.

“To amend the Sinatra song New York, New York – ‘Victoria Wood, so good, we unveiled her twice!’”

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and economy, said: “I am delighted to see Victoria Wood’s statue return to the town centre in Bury.

“Victoria Wood was a national treasure, and we are proud to call her one of our own. She was much-loved across Bury and beyond for her comedy, talent, and positivity. I hope that the statue continues to provide inspiration to all our budding Bury comedians, and serve as a loving memorial for her family, friends, and fans.”

Today’s event also featured brass band music from members of Bury Music Service, and the statue was blessed by the Rev Kate Brady McKenna, minister of Bury Unitarian Church.