Free p&p within the UK

Wigan Casino Polo £19.99

In 1978 Wigan Casino was named Best Disco in the World by American music magazine Billboard, beating the infamous New York club, Studio 54. Whist appreciating the honour bestowed upon it most of the Casino regulars would have winced at the term 'Disco'.  'Disco' brings to mind expensive cocktails and sharp men in slick suits trying to 'pull' elegant women.  None of this at the Casino!   It served no alcohol whatsoever, it was too hot and sweaty to wear a suit and for the most part men and women ignored each other, unless of course they were discussing the latest soul releases. Forgiving our American Friends their ignorance the Casino was never a Disco, it was a Soul Club and most of its followers would have been offended to hear it called by any other term.

The DJ line up included Kev Roberts, Russ Winstanley, Richard Searling, Dave Evison, Keith Minshull and Brian Rae

However, all good things must come to an end and the Wigan Casino was no exception to this rule.

The last official all-nighter was held on September 19 1981. Two more ‘final’ all-nighters were held on and December 2 and 6 the same year, but a fire in March 1982 signalled the end of the Wigan Casino and in the following year it was demolished.

Despite not having the same financial clout as Blackpool Mecca the Casino was still remarkably successful in unearthing unknown soul obscurities.  It also boasted a healthy  programme of  live American acts.  This was not the main reason for its  legendary reputation however as both the Torch and the Twisted Wheel brought them over on a more regular basis.   It was much more to do with the venue itself which had begun life as a large post-Victorian theatre before turning into a Snooker hall.  By the time it became a Soul Club it was more than a little dilapidated but was perfect for the soul lover's tastes.  It's main room held a massive wooden dancefloor surrounded by a large balcony.  There was plenty of seating downstairs where people could sit and replenish their bodily fluids on Coke or Lemonade.  Just like the Mecca it also had a secondary room known as 'Mr M's' which opened a couple of hours after the doors had opened.   This room was 'oldies' only and concentrated exclusively on sixties Soul.  The Casino had a predominantly R&B policy making it rare to hear anything with a funky influence, nor did it concentrate exclusively on obscurities as easily accessible records were well integrated into the Casino playlists.   This may well have been a significant factor in the Casino's success as any new member would almost certainly hear something with which they were familiar.

On December 6th. 1981 its doors closed for the last time as the local Council shut it down.   A few months later in a freak accident the Casino caught fire and was razed to the ground.  Despite its later loss of direction the Casino will forever remain a treasured memory for those who were fortunate enough to attend.

Call me at the local rate on 0845 257 4386 or 01302701964

Click for E mail enquiries on Northerndesignprint.co.uk sales or orders

Email questions or comments about Northern Soul Clothing web site.

For all other enquiries send mail to Northerndesignprint.co.uk  please report any errors KTF.

T o place a link on Northern Soul Clothing web site
Last modified: 01/25/08