Wigan Album

This takes me back..... I remember it well....used to go every night it was open... wasn't really into the all nighters..had to work on sundays.... anyone remember the live shows they used to have?

I have such memories of this place, and I am so glad it was there during my youth, what a place, and the people so many from all over, I used to go the beachcomber the youth disco underneath, anyone remember that club?

It was home from home for me in the early 70's. I used to go 7 times a week at on time; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (early session), The Allnighter then back on Sunday night. First band I ever saw there was The Fantastics-(Something Old, Something New. One of the best bands I saw was Mr. Bloe - (Grooving With Mr. Bloe. Saw a few punk bands during the punk era as well. Halcyon days.

We used to dance in circles at the Beachcomber until we were mesmorised by 2 older guys one night dancing on the small stage. The DJ was Lord Byron, the 2 dancers were Tony Burns and Booper. We'd never seen dancing like it. That was our introduction to Northern Soul dancing. I also remember the Kirkby skinheads first of many visits to Wigan, when they ransacked the kiosk inside the Ritz cinema, then took over the Beachcomber.

I remember watching Jimmy Ruffin and Edwin Star. I also remember a cabaret club attached to the casino, The Pally, I think? Good memories.

wot a great time we had here the beachcomber till we looked old enough to get in the casino antd then the allnighters brilliant music i saw jimmy ruffin and edwin starr

Used to go in the mid seventies, only did a couple of all nighters.The last time I went if my memory is correct the Detroit Emeralds were on stage, good memories.This night I went with an old girl friend (Linda)our last outing together.Thats life.

yes i remember the beechcomber and what about mr ms in millgate anyone remember that?

Good days. M's was great too. Wouldn't have missed any of it for the world....despite the fact that it contributed to a steady decline into deviance and decadence!

Happy memories for me here. My first experience was when my friend and I sneaked in (under age)though not to consume alcohol, like todays trend, but to simply dance to the fab music! The first record I heard in The Wigan Casino was 'Everlasting Love'. Imagine what a restoration of this great building would have looked like today! The Ritz, in Manchester, has a similar likeness.

Would be really keen to hear from anyone from back in those halcyon days. Contact me on jay_el_jayus@yahoo.com

i was resident drummer in cabaret room [palais]1972/73,remember backing cannon and ball who were on 30 quid anight,casino and garrick leigh had same 6 acts on 5 nights a week all live [proper entertainment]

Hello, I am doing research for a documentary film I am creating on the subject of music in Wigan, and I wanted to do a segment on Wigan Casino, If anyone has any noteworthy information about the casino, I'd love for you too email me at kiecroft@gmail.com

Thank you

Kieran Croft

Check this out on the BBC.Available for a short time only.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010dp0z/Afternoon_Reading_Tales_from_the_Casino_Ten_Miles_High/

Ah Wigan Casino. Loved the Rock nights but you always had to come out to the queue for the all nighter. What was theold bag on the door called? She was a real stickler for your age. W always lied and got friendly with the bouncers then we got in for nothing, lol. Saw some classic bands there. Off the top of my head, Scorpions, Edgar Broughton, Stranglers,Motorhead, Budgie,(think they kept them hidden under the stage in case of emergencies, lol), Slade and loads , loads more. Loved it and never missed a rock night. Sad it is gone, it was a classic building.

Loved this venue one of the best ever.

Brilliant venue. I went pre- northern Soul but used to dance the same. We were the masters, just ask Tony Burns. Honed our skills at Mecca Blackpool, Twisted Wheel, Burnley Bird Trap, Mr Smiths and Uncle Toms Bolton. Great days!
Oh by the way, this new Northern Soul film is a con. All southern actors except for Stansfield and Tomlinson.

I used to go to the all nighters in the mid 70’s with my mates Roy Gostelow, Sean Bimpson and my sister Chris. Good times but the gear took its toll.

I remember you guys back in 1975. Do you remember Tony from Southport, Joe from Oldham and Shirley Rigg from Bradford - great dancer!

I remember all you guys. I was a dj at the time - my favourite sound was “Looking for you” by Garnett Mimms. Still dance to it now at the grand old age 69 - keep the faith

Reading these takes me back great times. Lots of stories we can recollect some of which crossed the line. Favourite sound “Get it Baby” - Stanley Mitchell.

If any one remembers the Rock Nights with bands such as Scorpion and Motorhead, you may remember two very young long haired bickers with a bank of projectors on the balcony doing the psychedelic oil wheel projections onto the stage between sessions. It's not easy riding a moped with two massive projectors in your ruck-sack. Great times...

The lady on the door was Mrs woods and they was 39 stairs to the room

Wonder how many people met their wives and husband in either the Beachcomber or the Casino.
Must be loads of us

I used to go to Wigan All Nighters in the 70's - last thing on my mind was finding a wife I was more interested in who had the Durophet for sale!

Hey Sammy talking about sales you still owe me £10 for that Bomber Jacket I sold you !!