Keep the faith – celebrating 50 years of Northern Soul where the iconic Wigan Casino hosted the first of its legendary all nighters. Around 600 people were there on the first night in September 1973. Fifty years on the soul stays strong.
The site of the Wigan Casino is now marked with a blue plaque inside the Grand Arcade, located next to Pandora on the lower mall.
Visitors can experience the history of Wigan Casino throughout September and October with an exciting programme of events and exhibitions taking place across the town.
Visit the Casino Café upstairs in the Grand Arcade to see the Wigan Casino photographic gallery of all nighter promotional posters, images of dancers and DJ’s. Not forgetting the Wigan Casino cabinet displaying a selection of memorabilia.
50 Years On The Soul Stays Strong Exhibition.
Includes work by acclaimed artist Dean Chalkley and Willian Titley, alongside newly commissioned work by students from Wigan and Leigh College.
Location: Grand Arcade
When: 21st September – 21st October 2023 (Thursday to Sunday) 10am-4pm – FREE event.
Last Night @ The Casino – The photographs of Francesco Mellina
Photographer Francesco Mellina was in the thick of the action for the very last all-nighter at Wigan’s Casino Club. This outdoor exhibition showcases a selection of photographs which capture the unique atmosphere of this legendary night. Paying homage to the people, to the club, to the scene.
Location: Standishgate Wigan town centre (outdoor exhibition)
When: 21st September – 21st October
Northern Soul Event Panel
To mark the 50th anniversary, a unique panel event will be hosted by Dr Paul Sadot, with special guests including Richard Searling, Tim Ashabende, Gary Rushbrook, Time Brown and Ian Wills, talking about their experiences of Wigan Casino and the Northern Soul movement.
Location: Museum of Wigan Life
When: 30th September, 12pm
Russ Winstanley Talk
Russ Winstanley is a UK DJ who is best known for his championing of Northern Soul music. In 1973 he founded the famous Wigan Casino All-Nighters at which he was the original DJ. Over 4 million people passed through the venue until it closed in December 1981.
Join us for this special talk where Russ will share his memories from his time at the Casino and his involvement in Northern Soul right through to today
Location: Museum of Wigan Life
When: 6th October, 11:30-1:30pm
Northern Soul by Jim Cartwright
A one-off performance of a new play written by Jim Cartwright and Directed by Nick Bagnall, which pays tribute to the legendary music and dance venue; Wigan Casino, performed with support from students of Rose Bruford College.
Location: Museum of Wigan Life
When: 21 October, 8pm
Soul Music and Social Change by Stuart Cosgrove
Join author Stuart Cosgove for a unique event that will examine the struggles Black American soul artists faced and put into context the influence they had on Wigan Casino, Northern Soul, and the wider music scene in this country.
Location: Museum of Wigan Life
When: 28th October, 4:30pm
Museum of Wigan Life – Produced a special Wigan Casino 50th anniversary patch. A limited edition, they are available to buy from the museum, £5 each. There are also t-shirts available printed by Crystal Leisurewear.
Booking information
- Call – 01942 828128
- Email – wiganmuseum@wigan.gov.uk