Wigan Casino: The loved and lost Greater Manchester nightclub of the Northern Soul music scene

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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />We spoke to Russ Winstanley and Richard Searling, who made Wigan Casino a roaring success in the 70s.