Fifty years ago, the Wigan Casino nightclub commenced its inaugural all-nighters, thereby establishing itself as the focal point of the Northern Soul movement. As the stroke of midnight neared every Saturday, during a period when the majority were retiring for the night, a multitude of youthful music enthusiasts, having journeyed from various regions of the nation via cars, coaches, and trains, congregated upon a thoroughfare situated within the heart of Wigan.
Although the nightclub is not there in its physical form, it lives on, through the people and it’s music.
Northern Soul emerged in the economically disadvantaged regions of Northern England during the late 1960s. From Manchester and Sheffield, including Newcastle, Blackpool, and various parts of Southern Scotland, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. Previously renowned for its significant contributions to the Industrial Revolution during the 19th century, these areas had transformed into a hub of widespread joblessness, menial labor in factories and mines; however, Northern soul music dramatically changed the culture in these areas, bringing a music that was outspoken about racism, ecology, war, and drug abuse, among other topics. Motown mixed with R&B, and dance vibes was introduced in nightclubs by DJ’s, it saw songs from Marvin Gaye “This love starved Heart“, Frankie Valli “You’re Ready Now” and the renowned song “Out on the Floor” by Dobie Gray. The music genre become popular among the younger generation and gave a voice to the working class.
The weekend kicked off with Craig’s special edition of his regular Saturday night Funk and Soul show, dedicated to Northern Soul, his introduction to the all-nighter began at 6pm and concluded at 9pm. The show showcased a ten-piece soul house band known as The Signatures, alongside esteemed guests such as Richard Searling, a renowned figure from the iconic Wigan Casino, and the talented all-female R&B group, The Flirtations.
Additionally, Craig was set to embark on a quest to locate the most elusive Northern Soul record, which was recently sold for an astounding £100k. Then from 9pm, Stuart Maconie joined the festivities and collaborated with Craig to present a broadcast of the Northern Soul Prom.
This extraordinary event was conceived by Stuart and featured a captivating performance by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Richard Searling recalls, “As soon as those doors opened, there’d be a flood of people. Once inside, they went upstairs, paid the entry fee, passed through a set of double doors and entered the dance hall. There, the wall of sound would hit you. The club’s cocktail of aromas would also hit you. “That smell of condensation, of Brut, of sweat… It was absolutely amazing.”
The all-nighter playlists continued with Golden Torch, Wigan Casino, Twisted Wheel and The 100 Club. The Northern Soul’s morning after mix, saw a Northern Soul Special from 4am unitl 7am and Lights On With Stuart Maconie 7am until 8am.
The amazing weekend was recorded by BBC Radio 6 and is available on BBC iplayer, click here.
