Wigan Casino was an amazing venue - it broke my heart when Northern Soul all-nighters ended

A nightclub loved and lost in Greater Manchester used to stand in the middle of the current Wigan town centre, and held hundreds of all-night parties showcasing unique and sought-after records in the 1970s.

Wigan Casino shut down in 1981 after Wigan Council wanted to extend the nearby civic centre. Although that development never went ahead, the Casino closed on December 6 that year and today the Grand Arcade shopping centre stands in its place.

During the seven-and-a-half years it was open, the club brought the Northern Soul music scene to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond. Now the anniversaries of the club’s opening are being celebrated by those who remember the Casino as the venue it used to be.

This month it will be the 51st anniversary on the floor of the Grand Arcade, where the iconic nightclub used to stand.

We spoke to Russ Winstanley and Richard Searling, who made Wigan Casino a roaring success in the 70s in the video at the top of the page. Russ recalls the “amazing scene” which hosted 536 all nighters and 1,200 early sessions. Overall it is estimated Wigan Casino events attracted more than four million people to the area.

He said it was an “awesome venue”, adding: “It was all about the people. The last night broke my heart.”