THE town’s success and rich identity will be celebrated during 2023 – a year which marks a series of major anniversaries for local organisations, including your St Helens Star.

Later this year, the Star will celebrate its 50th birthday – half a century on since its first publication hit the borough’s streets.

Major anniversaries

The year also marks Saints’ 150th anniversary, the 100th anniversary of St Helens Rotary, the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the St Helens Council of Voluntary Service, and the 100th birthday of Haydock Male Voice Choir.

READ> Get the headlines straight to your inbox with our Morning Briefing newsletter

St Helens will also take up the mantle of the city region’s Borough of Culture for 2023, with civic leaders keen to tell stories that reflect the area’s identity.

St Helens Star: How the Star's masthead looked in 1973 when the newspaper launchedHow the Star's masthead looked in 1973 when the newspaper launched (Image: St Helens Star)

Star editor Andrew Kilmurray said the series of landmark anniversaries offers a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the borough’s rich history and identity.

He added: “It’s a big year for the Star and we’re looking forward to turning 50 in November and celebrating our role as the voice of St Helens since 1973.

"Our anniversary year happens to coincide with a number of other big ‘birthdays’ so this gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate those organisations as well.

St Helens Star: The St Helens Star's front page last year when Saints won an historic fourth title in a rowThe St Helens Star's front page last year when Saints won an historic fourth title in a row (Image: St Helens Star)

“We look forward to reflecting upon the wonderful stories, characters and champions – past and present that enrich St Helens life and make up the borough’s DNA.”

St Helens Star: Star editor Andrew KilmurrayStar editor Andrew Kilmurray (Image: St Helens Star)

Andrew, who joined the Star as a trainee reporter in 2001, says the news brand is keen to work with community partners and readers to mark the occasion.

He added: “We’ll be looking back on some of the great people the town has produced, sharing stories of the past and featuring people and institutions that are the heartbeat of St Helens.

"With it being the 150th year of Saints, it’s only natural that we will be tapping into our archives and the wonderful knowledge of our writers to bring you the very best coverage.

READ>50 years of covering Saints in the Star - we're featuring a past player a week in 2023

“But we’re keen to work alongside community organisations or businesses who want to support us too – and hear the ideas of our readers.

“Anyone who would like to work with us can send an email, a message on social media or give us a call.”