What happened to the Wigan Casino?
On December 6th. 1981 the local Council closed the Wigan Casino. A few months later, in a freak accident, the Casino caught fire and was razed to the ground. Twenty five years later, the Casino is seen as the root of Northern Soul.
Where was Wigan Casino in Wigan?
The Casino Club in Station Road, Wigan, became the most famous club in the world in the 1970s as its manic Northern Soul all-nighters attracted dancers from all over the UK.
What was the last record played at Wigan Casino?
Do I Love You
The last record ever played at the Wigan Casino allnighters – chosen entirely at random by Russ Winstanley – was Frank Wilson’s Do I Love You (Indeed I Do). Wilson’s classic song is referenced in both the music and lyrics of ‘Stand Up Now’.
Who owned Wigan Casino?
It’s almost 46 years since Russ Winstanley booked Wigan Casino for its first Northern Soul all-nighter. On Sunday 23rd September 1973, the faithful paid 75p each to dance to rare black American records from 2am until 8am. And although the price has gone up a bit since then, the scene is now bigger than ever.
When was Wigan demolished?
In 1981 the local council refused to extend the club’s lease and it was forced to close its doors on 6 December. Demolition of the venue began in 1982.
Who performed at Wigan Casino?
The Northern Soul scene is bigger than ever – 46 years after the first Wigan Casino all-nighter. It’s almost 46 years since Russ Winstanley booked Wigan Casino for its first Northern Soul all-nighter. On Sunday 23rd September 1973, the faithful paid 75p each to dance to rare black American records from 2am until 8am.
Where was the Twisted Wheel nightclub?
Manchester
The Twisted Wheel was a nightclub in Manchester, England, open from 1963 to 1971. It was one of the first clubs to play the music that became known as Northern Soul.
How many does Wigan Casino Hold?
“It was vast, with a fabulous sprung dancefloor, balconies, and space for 3,000–4,000 people. It was ideal for what we wanted to do.” Within months, Wigan Casino had established itself as the country’s leading venue for Northern Soul’s faithful to make the pilgrimage there every Saturday.
What is the Wigan Casino?
The Wigan Casino was a nightclub in Wigan, England. Operating between 1973 and 1981, it became known as a primary venue for Northern soul music. It carried forward the legacy created by clubs such as the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, the Chateau Impney ( Droitwich ), the Catacombs ( Wolverhampton) and the Golden Torch ( Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ).
Who wrote the history of the Wigan Casino?
Russ Winstanley and Dave Nowell wrote a history of the club, Soul Survivors, The Wigan Casino Story, which was published in 1996. A stage play by Mick Martin about the Wigan Casino years, Once upon a time in Wigan, debuted in February 2003 at the Contact Theatre in Manchester and has since toured nationally.
Who was the first Northern soul DJ at Wigan Casino?
Venue manager Mike Walker brought in Russ Winstanley, who had a DJ set at the local rugby club, to the Casino. At 2 am on Sunday 23 September 1973, Wigan Casino started its first-ever Northern soul all-nighter, with Winstanley as the DJ.
What are some famous people who have performed at Wigan Casino?
1. Dusty Springfield on stage at Wigan Casino in April 1966. 2. Radio One DJ “Diddy” David Hamilton (front left) with Miss Wigan Casino Norma Leyland (front centre) and runners up on Friday 27th of July 1973, pictured with Wigan Casino manager Gerry Marshall. 3. Long John Baldry on stage at Wigan Casino in the late 1960s.