Keep the Faith - Wigan Casino Trivia Quiz

Answer: Station Road

It was on Station Road, which is about 5-10 minutes walk from the railway station. Park Road, Wallgate and Hallgate are all real locations around the city centre of Wigan.

Answer: 2am

The doors for the 'All-Nighter' opened after the Casino had closed for the 'normal' events of the night at 12.30am.

Answer: Russ Winstanley

Russ Winstanley did most of the DJ'ing the first night, although his colleague, Ian Fishwick did spin a few discs to provide Russ with breaks.

Answer: Mr. M's

Initially a cabaret club Mr. M's was opened to accommodate the ever increasing soul fans who were pouring into Wigan Casino each weekend. It soon had it's own line up of DJ's and loyal fans.

Answer: Wigan's Empress Ballroom

The Twisted Wheel was in Manchester, I made up Wigan's Empire Ballroom and The Palais, Wigan.

Answer: September 23rd 1973

Other notable events that occured in 1973 were the completion of The Sears Tower in Chicago, the CAT Scan was introduced to the medical world, US troops withdrew from Vietnam and actor Bruce Lee died.

Answer: James Brown

The story goes that James Brown found a 'window' in his bookings while he was touring Europe. His agent phoned the Casino and he was booked for one night. On arriving at the Casino he asked how many fans were inside and went to inspect for himself having been told there were 1,500 fans inside. Peering over the balcony he decided there and then that there were not enough fans, got back into his limo and drove away!
The Casino management were understandably upset and all fans got a full refund.

Answer: Wigan's Ovation

Either soul fans loved it or hated it - it all depended on how much of a soul 'purist' you were.
Wigan's Chosen Few were a real group, recording 'Footsee', the other two names I made up.

Answer: True

Believe it or not it is true, even though Wigan Casino could hardly be called a disco. Loyal fans would argue that its status was a 'Soul Club' - however, this just goes to show how internationally famous the casino had become.

Answer: 6th December 1981

The original final 'All-Nighter' was on the 19th September 1981 - however another date, 2nd October 1981, was added due to the first being a sell-out. The Casino stood empty for another two months waiting for the bulldozers to begin the demolition, and Russ Winstanley decided to stage the 'final' final 'All-Nighter' on 6th December 1981. The final event did not attract the huge attendance that the previous 'finals' bought about.

After the 6th December event the Casino stood empty for another three months. In March 1982 the Casino caught fire and was finally demolished in February 1983. A sad end to a special place for many soul and dance fans.

I hope you enjoyed this quiz on Wigan Casino. I used to go to the Friday night events and only twice went to an 'All-Nighter' - the first time my Mum caught me out and grounded me for a month!
The music, dancing and friendship will live forever for many.