This is Wigan Presents... Russ Winstanley (Wigan Casino)

In the 1970s, Motown superstars like Martha Reeves, Jackie Wilson and Edwin Starr were leaving Detroit and flocking to Wigan. Why? Because a young DJ called Russ Winstanley set up a club night spinning his favourite soul records at a local hotspot called Wigan Casino.
The Northern Soul All Nighters packed out the Wigan Casino dancefloor every Saturday for almost a decade. It was even voted "The Best Disco in the World" by Billboard magazine, beating out the likes of New York's Studio 54.
We sat down with Russ to chat about the origins of this legendary night that put Wigan on the musical map and his favourite memories of his time behind the decks.
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[@owstonlad3859]

Hello Russ. Probably insignificant but I was the first person through the door on the first night, (my only claim to fame lol)

[@CarlSouthward]

Brilliant

[@nicklyde4361]

Good old days .. I recall sometimes driving from Rhyl midvweek to Wigsn and often trade ...records with Russ n Richard. I remember giving Russ a Uk copy of the John Dewar Express. The Closer she gets ...on MGM. I thought it average. Russ saw more in it... needless to say ut went mega. Great days. Good to see Russ....

[@711honved]

These people were living history! My own local club, The California Ballroom, in Dunstable brought kids in from all over the country to see Tamla's greatest acts play live. Great days, sadly long gone.

[@soulbag50grvs7]

Great place California ballroom Saw Jr. Walker & Allstars. Brilliant. Not too far from Peterborough. Great nights & memories. KTF

[@CarlSouthward]

What a brilliant Story Russ, and a big thank you for the brilliant nights, it really was an amazing time.

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

The first time I went I was in the queue and the bloke who ran the coach from Hemel turned to me and said” you lucky bastard, your first visit and there is a live act.” I asked who was on and he pointed up a poster and said “ Mayor Lance”. I thought who the phuque is that as I had never heard of him. I knew by the time I left though! Brilliant times.

[@jillyb710]

I saw Jackie Wilson. Legend - but people booed him a bit cos the artists didnt sing the tunes we wanted. Martha Reeves backing group didnt know One Way Out. But she sang a few bars after we chanted for it. My fave was Jnr Walker - what a live act!!!

[@alanpervin]

Your right about Jnr, seen them at Notts palais KTF jilly

[@phillip6408]

Martha appeared at a venue near to me a few years ago, I didn't attend because I read the reviews of her tour and it was said her voice had gone so I preferred to remember her with Vandellas as they were in their heyday.

[@vimtocrazy739]

Russ always opened the show from 12 until 2 . Floor was always packed .

[@joebrandreth9959]

Went every Saturday night and every Oldies night from 1976 - about a year before it closed. Loved it. Will never ever be a place like it,

[@MilesCarrington]

Brilliant Russ.a legend before your time.❤

[@nigelarkwright8132]

Great video

[@carolesmith5849]

Thank you Russ, we could not of had the amazing memories without you!

[@creativefunk]

🤣

[@davidholmes2283]

The only Wigan DJ that ever played my requests - Thank you. Richard never played a single one. I used to go to Russ Records whilst I was still at school. I also went to the stall Russ had on Wigan market after the shop closed down. I was working then.

[@eifionwynwilliams-iffy1288]

Brilliant video Russ. I remember it all like it was yesterday. KTF!

[@thomasbrookes2266]

SEEN THE TAMS ,, JIMMY RUFFIN , AND LOTS OF OTHERS LEANING OVER THE BALCONY RAIL LOOKING DOWN ON A VERY SPECIAL PLACE AND OF COURSE YOUR GOOD SELF RUSS

[@stephencresswell8574]

Nice bloke as well

[@paulsutton6430]

Russ Winstanley legend

[@TheSOULBROTHER61]

How did you manage to stay awake every Saturday night for 8 years??

[@miketaylor3424]

speed ;)

[@souljimmy1]

@@miketaylor3424 😅😅he recons "it was never there 💊???but I beg to differ 😉 🕺💃🕺💃

[@souljimmy1]

If the fuel 💊scene didn't exist?? Then there was a lot of people giving away money 💸 £ !! For nothing 🙈💩I've had this out with him and searlin? They categorically deny it never happened!! I don't wish to bring the scene down??😱or give it a bad reputation "but don't spit in my face "and tell me it's raining 😠

[@salfordsteve22305]

@@souljimmy1 have to agree with you. if there were no illicit substances there why the presence of DS officers stopping coaches, searching trains and definitely IN the building itself every darn week. Lost count of the times our coaches from Leeds were stopped and searched.

[@edwinstarr5591]

BRING BACK OUR SKEGGY

[@elvingtonred]

Cleethorpes was way better.

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

AM I right in thinking the hehad a huge owl? I remember the night he broke the shine caps that was Wiggin wasnt it!