50 Years On The Soul Stays Strong
The Northern Soul scene gave a generation of working-class people an escape from the 9-5 grind and freedom to express themselves through music and dance.
This exhibition explores the lasting influence of an iconic venue, discovering different perspectives unified by a love of music. Includes work by acclaimed artists Dean Chalkley and William Titley, alongside newly commissioned work by students from Wigan & Leigh College.
When: 21 September – 21 October, Thursday – Saturday, 10-4pm
Where: Grand Arcade shopping centre
Free entry
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.
When: 21 September – 21 October
Where: Standishgate (outdoor exhibition)
Free
Northern Soul Panel Event
When: 30th September, 12pm
Where: Museum of Wigan Life
Cost: Free, booking essential
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.
Russ Winstanley talk
When: 6th October, 11:30-1:30pm
Where: Museum of Wigan Life
Cost: Free, booking essential
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.
Northern Soul by Jim Cartwright
When: 21 October, 8pm
Where: Trencherfield Mill (Machine Hall)
Cost: booking essential
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.
Soul Music and Social Change by Stuart Cosgrove
When: 28th October, 4:30pm
Where: Museum of Wigan Life
Cost: Free, booking essential
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.
Booking information
For more details about the cultural programme go to The Fire Within.