Wigan Casino
Wigan
Overview
First all-nighter: 2 AM, Sunday 23 September 1973. Format: Midnight to 8 AM all-nighters. Famous for its sprung wooden dancefloor. Voted "Best Disco in the World" by Billboard magazine, 1978 (beating Studio 54).
Signature Tracks
Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
Frank Wilson
The final record ever played
Long After Tonight Is All Over
Jimmy Radcliffe
Closing ritual anthem
I'm On My Way
Dean Parrish
Closing record
Time Will Pass You By
Tobi Legend
Live Acts Hosted
- Jackie Wilson
- Edwin Starr
- Junior Walker
- R. Dean Taylor
Closure & Legacy
Closed 6 December 1981 — Wigan Council wanted the land for a Civic Centre extension (never built); also continued policing and council pressure.
Over eight years: reportedly over one million people through its doors. 500th all-nighter: Saturday 16 May 1981. Approximately 100,000 members at its height. A Heritage Lottery-funded Heritage Trail now marks Wigan's Northern Soul history.
Important Notes
NOT a gambling venue — it was a ballroom/dance venue called "the Casino." On the final night, the closing "3 before 8" records were played three times consecutively as the crowd refused to let the night end.