Wigan Casino
The Wigan Casino was an English nightclub in Wigan in Greater Manchester, which existed between the mid- 1960s and 1981. It was in 1971 known as one of the most outstanding dance sites that were dedicated to the Northern Soul and it one of the most famous clubs around the world.
History
The " Wigan Casino" originally started out as a simple banquet hall named " The Empress ". The former manager Mike Walker convinced together with the local DJ Russ Winstanley the landlord Gerry Marshall, to discourage allnighters. After its approval Winstanley moved his actually installed in the local Rugby Club set in the "Casino Club" under which was known at that time the building.
On Sunday, 23 September 1973 at 02:00 clock the " Wigan Casino" opened to the first Northern Soul Allnighter, Winstanley was a DJ. They sat there, continuing the legacy that was left by clubs such as the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, the Chateau Impney in Droitwich, The Catacombs in Wolverhampton or the Golden Torch in Tunstall. As a result frequented guests from all over the UK, there to hear the " Wigan Casino" will receive the latest artists from the Northern Soul and dance. Among other things, there were Jackie Wilson, Edwin Starr and Junior Walker on. The queues at the entrance stretched at this time to a width of five to six people the whole street up from. A second ball space within the casino, called "Mr. M's " was open until 06:00 clock, here the focus was on oldies. Each of these Allnighter ended with three particular songs that became known as the " 3 before 8 ": " Time Will Pass You By " by Tobi Legend, " Long After Tonight Is Over" by Jimmy Radcliffe, and " I'm On My Way" by Dean Parrish. Over five million people visited this Soul Sessions, which were also on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays held.
The club was closed on 6 December 1981. That night Winstanley had the " 3 before 8" play three times in succession, and then refused the guests to leave the premises. Played only when the DJ Frank Wilson's " Do I Love You ( Indeed I Do ) ", the " curse of hysteria " broke, as it was called Winstanley later. This last song of " Wigan Casino" was one of the most famous of Northern Soul. The club is still maintained through annual meetings, which are held by the original DJs in living memory.
Since 2009 is located on the former club grounds the shopping center " Grand Arcade ".