We speak to the people behind the iconic Wigan Casino 50 years on from first Northern Soul all-nighter

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 celebrated by those who remember the Casino as the venue it used to be. In October this year they will be celebrating its 50th 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.