With both rooms open, the venue had a capacity of 2000 people. An added attraction was that this layout was repeated in a smaller room off to one side, named Mr.

A balcony circled the dancefloor on three sides, giving a perfect view of the dancers beneath, albeit dimly lit by ultraviolet tubes hung from the ceiling on chains. A massive maple sprung dancefloor dominated the building, and a large stage was situated at one end. The Casino Club, or the 'Emp', (an abbreviation for The Empress Hall, the Casino's original name) was built around the time of the First World War, and was perfect for an allnighter. After first night profits of £400 materialised, it became apparent that the allnighter could be a success, and regular Saturday night allnighters began. The idea was originally rejected, but after repeated attempts by Mike Walker, the manager of the venue, Gerry Marshall relented and gave the go-ahead for a trial night. Fuelled by the rumours that the Torch was in trouble with the local authorities and was likely to be closed down, Russ approached the owner of the Casino Club, Gerry Marshall, with the idea of running an allnighter at the venue. The man behind the idea for Wigan Casino was Russ Winstanley, a local man who had been playing Northern Soul to the locals via 'Russ' Everysound Disco' at venues such as the Wigan Beer Keller and Wigan Rugby Club. It must have seemed inconceivable at the time that Wigan Casino Soul Club would eventually have over 100,000 members, and would be voted 'Best Discotheque In The World'. Wigan Casino first opened it's doors on September 23rd, 1973 to the sounds of 'Put Your Loving Arms Around Me' by The Sherrys, and 652 people walked in. Curtis, Lenny – Nothing Can Help You Nowġ50.

Incredibles – There is Nothing Else to Sayġ44.

Banks, Darrell – Somebody (Somewhere) Needs Youġ43. Mistura, featuring Lloyd Michels – The Flasherġ36. King, Solomon/Levi Jackson – This Beautiful Dayġ34. Frankie & the Classicals – What Shall I Doġ33. Bragg, Johnny – They’re Talking About Meġ32. Majestics – I Love Her So Much (It Hurts Me)ġ31. Professionals – That’s Why I Love Youġ27. Love, Mary – You Turned My Bitter Into Sweetġ26. Jon & the Wierdest – Can’t Get Over These Memoriesġ25. Temple, Richard – That Beatin’ Rhythmġ18.

Ann, Beverly – You’ve Got Your Mind On Other Thingsġ15. Valentinos – Sweeter Than the Day Beforeġ13. Knight, Marie – That’s No Way to Treat a Girlġ10. 7th Avenue Aviators/Frankie Karl & the Chevrons – You Should O’ Held Onġ08. Spellbinders – Help Me (Get Myself Back Together Again)ġ07. San Remo Golden Strings – Festival Timeġ05. Freeman, Bobby – I’ll Never Fall in Love Againġ02.

Wigan casino northern soul nights