About Happy

Happy is an arts programme, with a festival at its heart. Happy is inspired by the legacy of Bury-born Victoria Wood, her work and how she made her audiences feel.

Happy is all about people being able to experience for themselves the kind of work Victoria made including comedy writing, stand-up, songwriting, performance and musical virtuosity. Above all, Happy aims to make people laugh.

Victoria’s legacy is a powerful one and the affection shown by her many fans, especially those from the north, is still felt today. At 2019’s Victoria Wood exhibition at Bury Art Museum and at her statue unveiling nearby, visitors came to say thank you to their hero:

“Victoria Wood is a true Northern Hero! A fantastic exhibition for a much loved and missed comedy genius.”

“How proud we are that this AMAZING lady is from our town. A wonderful talent who is sadly missed. WE LOVE YOU VICTORIA!!”

Working with her friends and colleagues at the Victoria Wood Foundation, as well as partners including Bury Art Museum, The Met and the Hallé, Happy will bottle this love, enthusiasm and pride to excite and inspire all sorts of people. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Happy this May and in September for a bigger festival.

Happy will inspire and encourage the people of Bury and beyond to try new things, to see new performances, to laugh and above all to let the legacy of Victoria Wood bring them the joy that she brought to so many through her work.