Wigan Anniversary "the Big One"

[Guest StefMalajny]

Russ has asked me to give the Casino Anniversary a plug, went last year thinking I may have to fib a bit on how great it was but have to say best night of the year by a mile, brilliant playlist made up of top 500, crowd went wild.

Tickets are £10 for the night check out the info Favourite Casino DJs Russ Winstanley, Steve Whittle, Dave Evison, Brian Rae, Keith Minshull, Stuart and Neil from Ms etc. Info.and tickets: www.wigan-casino.co.uk

29th August 8pm till 4am

[coops]

where's it being held Stef?

[Guest StefMalajny]

Hi mate

Its at the Grand Arcade , Station rd wow youve only got to say that road and my hair stands on end.

Might not be able to do many backdrops though pulled my back getting lady out of car she smashed into our shop, she was rather rotund check out the cctv, she gives it a right wallop https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/video/Video-Ground-shook-as-car.5540748.jp

[Johnmcc]

went last year thinking I may have to fib a bit on how great it was but have to say best night of the year by a mile

Dear Pinocchio,

Do you get out much?

[Guest StefMalajny]

No need to exaggerate this one, just ask anyone who went, intended heading back at 1ish and left with a big smile to Dean Parrish, the nearest I've been to being back at the Casino the crowd just went for it and nearly 2000 people joining in the handclapping left my ears ringing. WOW

[Iancsloft]

No need to exaggerate this one, just ask anyone who went, intended heading back at 1ish and left with a big smile to Dean Parrish, the nearest I've been to being back at the Casino the crowd just went for it and nearly 2000 people joining in the handclapping left my ears ringing. WOW

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Dont be daft its a bloody shopping arcade nothing whatsoever like like being back at the Cas , i went couple years ago it was sureal it was like being in a channel 4 film if you think its great you must,nt get out to any decent soul do,s like Lifeline, Wilton, USOS ,Soultown Do,s last weeks Droyslden , Birminghams Sunflower Burnley niter St Teresa Southport , Burscough Legion, Greystone Manchester, Lowton Civic ect ect ect ect, its ok if you just want a strange nite out and relive your youth

with likeminded friends but Soul Nite give me a break !!! I go shopping in there nearly every week.. Maybe the owners of the Grand Arcade should let the shops stay open so you could do some shoppin as well as listenin to the Snake & Do i love you

[Paul Shirley]

==============================================================================================================

Dont be daft its a bloody shopping arcade nothing whatsoever like like being back at the Cas , i went couple years ago it was sureal it was like being in a channel 4 film if you think its great you must,nt get out to any decent soul do,s like Lifeline, Wilton, USOS ,Soultown Do,s last weeks Droyslden , Birminghams Sunflower Burnley niter St Teresa Southport , Burscough Legion, Greystone Manchester, Lowton Civic ect ect ect ect, its ok if you just want a strange nite out and relive your youth

with likeminded friends but Soul Nite give me a break !!! I go shopping in there nearly every week.. Maybe the owners of the Grand Arcade should let the shops stay open so you could do some shoppin as well as listenin to the Snake & Do i love you

some body needed to say it' so very well said ian couldnt agree more mate i went twice felt like i was on pondrax . i prefare to remember the casino as it was all them years ago . this farce is an insult to the memory of the casino and the folks that went . a big get together in a shoping centre is nothing remotely like being at the old station rd ,

[Guest]

some body needed to say it' so very well said ian couldnt agree more mate i went twice felt like i was on pondrax . i prefare to remember the casino as it was all them years ago . this farce is an insult to the memory of the casino and the folks that went . a big get together in a shoping centre is nothing remotely like being at the old station rd ,

And it finnish's at 4am,why cant you find a dance hall in wigan ? i dont care if its station rd or whatever but in a dance hall type setting with the above djs 8am finnish in Wigan i might make the effort.

[Rob Wigley]

I thought there was an all-nighter in Wigan Ken-do they keep the shops open as well and that nifty Casino cafe ?

mmmmm

Rob

[Guest]

I thought there was an all-nighter in Wigan Ken-do they keep the shops open as well and that nifty Casino cafe ?

mmmmm

Rob

Cafe it'll cost me a fortune this is it isnt it ? Hi Rob hope you Karen are cool bestest Ken

[coops]

No need to exaggerate this one, just ask anyone who went, intended heading back at 1ish and left with a big smile to Dean Parrish, the nearest I've been to being back at the Casino the crowd just went for it and nearly 2000 people joining in the handclapping left my ears ringing. WOW

[Ian Parker]

Im looking forward to this, i went to the first one but missed the last one, i dont think its like going to a Soul night, but it makes a nice change & you can meet up with all your old friends whilst listening to some good music.

Plus i think it was a good idea to have Monaco the next day which is a large dance hall in Wigan, looking forward to a great weekend

But as the old saying goes, you cant please everybody!

I would not mind if the shops were open, i could do some more shoe shopping, cant i Ian!

Edited August 13, 2009 by soul-dancers

[Guest StefMalajny]

Well said

Soul dancer, thats whats lifes all about, Ive been to the last few St Ives reuniuns and they dont even play the same records that made the place famous, I spoke to two girls last year that had returned to the scene to check it out and they both only new 60% of the records and they attended every event back in the 70s.

What Russ "the Enforcer" does is tell the djs what the crowd really want at these type of do`s thats why he got rid of Soul Sam at The Casino as he was clearing the floor with his disco stuff, "The Enforcer was having none of it.

Russ made the Casino great and thats why I`m surfing in Newquay Cornwall Sat morning ,dropping the familly in Wirrina land and going to the best event of the year, hope to see everyone there

[coops]

Well said

Soul dancer, thats whats lifes all about, Ive been to the last few St Ives reuniuns and they dont even play the same records that made the place famous, I spoke to two girls last year that had returned to the scene to check it out and they both only new 60% of the records and they attended every event back in the 70s.

What Russ "the Enforcer" does is tell the djs what the crowd really want at these type of do`s thats why he got rid of Soul Sam at The Casino as he was clearing the floor with his disco stuff, "The Enforcer was having none of it.

Russ made the Casino great and thats why I`m surfing in Newquay Cornwall Sat morning ,dropping the familly in Wirrina land and going to the best event of the year, hope to see everyone there

c'mon stef, at least it's at the st.ivo centre, the original venue and not a chuffing shopping arcade my friend !

[Guest StefMalajny]

At Wigan the playlist is true Annivesary stuff but we all miss the venue

At St Ives the Venue is brilliant, even still smells the same but djs in the oldies room should stick to what was big there, organisers need to give them total direction, this is where Russ and Kev are the boys they think they know best and they do know best

Modern room is spot on, oh thats where you dj, anyone looking for top jock Coops is the man

and he turned down a spot at Wigan on principal

[Ian Parker]

I've specifically asked the shop owners to padlock the doors shut .

last years event is how i got to meet the gorgeous Debbie. I did actually enjoy it apart from the Flirtations (nothing more than a cabaret act), they kinda ruined it for me but apart from that it was a damned good night. Steve Whittle still does the business as far as im concerned !

[coops]

At Wigan the playlist is true Annivesary stuff but we all miss the venue

At St Ives the Venue is brilliant, even still smells the same but djs in the oldies room should stick to what was big there, organisers need to give them total direction, this is where Russ and Kev are the boys they think they know best and they do know best

Modern room is spot on, oh thats where you dj, anyone looking for top jock Coops is the man

and he turned down a spot at Wigan on principal

very nice of you to say so stef but i think that more dee-jays would turn their backs on a 'shopping centre' gig at either station road or any other tenuously linked location than would accept it.... or is it just me?

[Guest StefMalajny]

Just you mate

Most would jump at the chance , playing tunes and rubbing shoulders with Russ Winstanly, it just doesnt get bigger

[Guest dundeedavie]

Just you mate

Most would jump at the chance , playing tunes and rubbing shoulders with Russ Winstanly, it just doesnt get bigger

is that sarcasm ?

[Andyg]

Just you mate

Most would jump at the chance , playing tunes and rubbing shoulders with Russ Winstanly, it just doesnt get bigger

If it doesn't get any bigger than this then I will have to stop going out on a weekend. just how more deluded can you get.

Andy.

[Casper]

at the end of the day it is just another venue.... nothing else, a room to gather lots of people, have a great time, listen to some good sounds, have a dance.... and be happy....... and with some bloody good DJ's (we had a good conversation about this eh mick at Ian n' clairs)

no its not in a nite club, not a miners welfare, not a pub function room, not kings hall stoke (which would be brill ).. not anything more than somewhere to have a good time, its got loads of room, fantastic chill area... toilets are spotless . airconditioned, loads of room...... but yes it has shop windows.......no one i think expects to re find the casino of our youth.... ?

there you have it... a soul nite with as many memories as you wish to dream or talk of, or just a good nite out, yes we all have fantastic nites out soulin every week, especialy round my neck of the woods !..... but it is something a little different, and i have to say me n' susan enjoyed both the previous ones ,....not to forget Tommy hunt on stage !

and an alldayer at Monarco the day after too ! ... cant complain eh?

I hope all have a great time wherever you go at bank holiday.... I am sure we will.... KTF, ........ simples

pete n' susan xx

[Maxwell]

Im looking forward to this, i went to the first one but missed the last one, i dont think its like going to a Soul night, but it makes a nice change & you can meet up with all your old friends whilst listening to some good music.

Plus i think it was a good idea to have Monaco the next day which is a large dance hall in Wigan, looking forward to a great weekend

But as the old saying goes, you cant please everybody!

I would not mind if the shops were open, i could do some more shoe shopping, cant i Ian!

Does the chemists stay open?

[Steve G]

What Russ "the Enforcer" does is tell the djs what the crowd really want at these type of do`s thats why he got rid of Soul Sam at The Casino as he was clearing the floor with his disco stuff, "The Enforcer was having none of it.

Russ "The Enforcer" ? That's the funniest thing I've read today Stef. The only thing Russ is able to enforce these days is keeping his wig on straight. I am afraid he is about as relevant to the northern scene today as Freddie & The Dreamers are to todays Brit Indie bands. I seem to remember going to the Casino in 1980 /81 and Russ was spinning Isaac Hayes "Disco Connection" every 15 minutes, so no need to try and drag the old Soul Sam story up for effect either. And why have a pop at St Ives gigs? When St Ives was on in the 70s it was playing a good proportion of 'new sounds', it certainly wasn't an oldies venue with DJs like Poke, Gingha, Sam, Nev Wherry, Kev Draper etc.

Best wishes, and all that.

[Russ Vickers]

Well said

Soul dancer, thats whats lifes all about, Ive been to the last few St Ives reuniuns and they dont even play the same records that made the place famous, I spoke to two girls last year that had returned to the scene to check it out and they both only new 60% of the records and they attended every event back in the 70s.

What Russ "the Enforcer" does is tell the djs what the crowd really want at these type of do`s thats why he got rid of Soul Sam at The Casino as he was clearing the floor with his disco stuff, "The Enforcer was having none of it.

Russ made the Casino great and thats why I`m surfing in Newquay Cornwall Sat morning ,dropping the familly in Wirrina land and going to the best event of the year, hope to see everyone there

To compare the legend that is Soul Sam with RW is hilarious............you daft buggers are just lining the pockets of an old never was, was going to say has been, but he didnt really get there did he, even in the day, sure he is a lovely bloke, but surely he can make a living outa something else after all these years............Wigan Casino was the absolute epitome, leave my memories alone & stop tarnishing them by wringing every last fiver out of the gaff..................this circus has nothing to do with NS, but a lot to do with RW bank account.

Russ

Edited August 13, 2009 by Russ Vickers

[TOAD]

RUSS WAS THE WORST DJ THE CASINO EVER HAD

END OF STORY

[Quinvy]

Is it that time of year already? I've been looking forward to the annual confrontation between the two branches of the scene. It's been a bit quiet on here lately.

On a serious note, I think it just shows that there are two seperate scenes now. With a bit of crossover at weekenders etc.

Phil.

[Guest]

Is it that time of year already? I've been looking forward to the annual confrontation between the two branches of the scene. It's been a bit quiet on here lately.

On a serious note, I think it just shows that there are two seperate scenes now. With a bit of crossover at weekenders etc.

Phil.

No not crossover !!

[coops]

its got loads of room, fantastic chill area... toilets are spotless . airconditioned, loads of room......

that itself shows how far from the casino this is. i'm not saying we should all be in venues that were as poor (in structure and comfort) as the casino was, we're not the teenagers we once were but FFS..... a SHOPPING CENTRE? i really do dispair, not for those attending but for the morals of those promoting and yes, 'they' are trying to sell us a diluted form of our memories, a re-lived snap-shot of the past and if not WHY PUT IT ON WHERE IT IS? surely there are better shopping centres in the UK?.

Edited August 13, 2009 by coops

[Casper]

WHY PUT IT ON WHERE IT IS? surely there are better shopping centres in the UK?.

true ....Medowhall Sheffield is much better lol ..... but it seems to some ( not you Mick ) this thread is more about the organisers, and the venue is just a vehicle to give them a good slagging off ..??

are some people so naive as to think RW and people like him did not start things of as a buisiness venture as well as a love for the music ?.... some people are making a good living out of Northern soul.. always have and always will, and to be honest , why not, it has become the means by which they are able to live by thier very success ?? ...some however will open venues for the love of the music and the northern soul family,.. and power to them, i am lucky enough to know a few .......Do the pundits on here not think that Cleethorpes, blackpool mecca, the torch, wheel, stafford to name but a few where not money making machines?.... do not other promoters make money from the names of these wonderfull places of the past ?.... and some of which never even dj'ed or even stepped through the door.... !!!

people who open or run venues are really the hub of what keeps the scene alive, oldies , newies, crossover, modern rn'b whatever you want... some make loads of money..some even a loss....in truth (and here is a bit of "food for thought" ) ...you know the nice weekenders we are all happy to attend , and the nights we all go to every week.....well in reallity are they still not in part at least.... fuelled and making money by the heady days of one mans "buisness" venture, the place that put "northern soul" on the map and to the masses (rightly or wrongly)?

sat in front of a keyboard is not the place to do this kind of thing, it is not interactive enough...... i chatted to mick at Ian & clairs about this very subject, not once did the conversation get heated, but was never without passion and challenge and was alive with thought provoking questions about this sooooooo complex scene of ours that really set out so simple in the days when we all went out and had a good time............ and to hell with politics....

but for goodness sake let people promote thier venue on here without running the gauntlet.........

Pete n' Susan KTF

[Little-stevie]

This come around pretty quick..

Tin hats at the ready...

God loves a promoter..

Edited August 14, 2009 by little-stevie

[Wiganer1]

rock on russ!!!

[Guest Matt Male]

but for goodness sake let people promote thier venue on here without running the gauntlet.........

Pete n' Susan KTF

Actually this is a good point. This guy is trying to promote his event, in EVENTS, he shouldn't have to debate the pros and cons of whether or not this is a good thing on his thread. I'd be pretty pissed off if it was my events thread. This can be debated elsewhere.

Plus it pushes everyone else's uncontroversial promotions off the front page and that aint good.

[Johnmcc]

rock on russ!!!

A big granite one?

[Suinoz]

that itself shows how far from the casino this is. i'm not saying we should all be in venues that were as poor (in structure and comfort) as the casino was, we're not the teenagers we once were but FFS..... a SHOPPING CENTRE? i really do dispair, not for those attending but for the morals of those promoting and yes, 'they' are trying to sell us a diluted form of our memories, a re-lived snap-shot of the past and if not WHY PUT IT ON WHERE IT IS? surely there are better shopping centres in the UK?.

We were there a couple of years ago for the reunion when Dean Parrish appeared live, gotta say it was brilliant and did'nt feel like a shopping centre with all the dancing etc. Sadly i will miss this one as i will be at Subiaco Oval watching the Aussies smash the South Africans in the rugby. Take care mate, see you at Skeggy. Tony T BONE and Sue. The Aussie Invaders. K.T.F.

[Steve G]

Actually this is a good point. This guy is trying to promote his event, in EVENTS, he shouldn't have to debate the pros and cons of whether or not this is a good thing on his thread. I'd be pretty pissed off if it was my events thread. This can be debated elsewhere.

Plus it pushes everyone else's uncontroversial promotions off the front page and that aint good.

It's a point, but not convinced it is a good point when the "representative of the promotor" has come on here and "politicised" the event with derogatory references to DJ's who aren't involved in said event, and digs at other events. I think if you do that, you are fair game to be shot down in flames.

Don't know about "Who ate al the Pies, but where's my Pizza?

[Ian Parker]

I went last year (very open minded i may add) in the hope of enjoying a reminisce/good event/good music etc. when i found my way around the maze that is wigan town centre, i parked in a little street next to the railway bridge at the bottom of station road (could'nt find the car park for the grand arcade). I then made my way under the bridge and had a walk up. only then did it hit me! now i'd not been to wigan for a bloody long time, but the buildings, the surroundings and the location brought a lot of memories flooding back (don't forget to walk in the road next time Caveman Pete ).

I make no apologies for saying this, seeing a lot of people queing to get in that shopping centre, my original membership card in my wallet, made my hair stand on end. the vast majority there were there to enjoy it. I had a look around the cafe display, i had a browse at the stalls, i had a drink or two and i had a dance or ten! Whittle, Evison, the soul twins, Brian etc etc all contributed to a fab night. i even enjoyed the dance competition. A lad from Nottingham won it, who i have subsequently got to know well, who i can now call a friend. (well done Pete).

Myself and Debbie are looking forward to this bank holiday weekend, a weekend of friends, music, reminiscing and enjoying ourselves. the grand arcade can be anywhere in the world as far as im concerned, its about the music and the friendship.... not forgetting the fab Monaco ballroom on the sunday.

those who are going, SEE YA THERE !

[Guest StefMalajny]

I think everyone should have there own opinion but those that dont attend shouldnt critisize cus you have to sample the atmosphere first, you dont think your in a shopping centre its more like a street party with fabulous facilties.I compare it to a five star hotel abroad

Re St Ives, it is a brilliant nite but think the records should reflect the origonal tunes that made the place famous and we used to finish with 3 after 8

think we should get Russ down to do some enforcing, as for has been ,second highest paid jock on the scene , TV shows etc , still the boy

James my 5 year old wants to put some smileys in

[Dave Moore]

Is it that time of year already? I've been looking forward to the annual confrontation between the two branches of the scene. It's been a bit quiet on here lately.

On a serious note, I think it just shows that there are two seperate scenes now. With a bit of crossover at weekenders etc.

Phil.

Only 2 Phil? I would have thought at least half a dozen now! Problem is I don't know if I'm on any of them!

[TOAD]

this is a wind up too keep the topic on view

GET A LIFE THE CASINO IS DEAD

RUSS ISNT A DECENT DJ HE PLAYS CD

[Wiganer1]

russ is putting an event that 00s each year wish to attend.......and probably wll this year..

[Ian Parker]

To compare the legend that is Soul Sam with RW is hilarious............you daft buggers are just lining the pockets of an old never was, was going to say has been, but he didnt really get there did he, even in the day, sure he is a lovely bloke, but surely he can make a living outa something else after all these years............Wigan Casino was the absolute epitome, leave my memories alone & stop tarnishing them by wringing every last fiver out of the gaff..................this circus has nothing to do with NS, but a lot to do with RW bank account.

Russ

But Russ Vickers, i thought life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly etc etc...

Or maybe not then!

Debbie soul-dancers

Edited August 14, 2009 by soul-dancers

[coops]

don't get me wrong, i'm not angry or disrespecting those who either promote or attend this event it just makes me want to weep, it's a bit like that paul o'grady bit of shyte on his show, so very, very sad and soooo far from how I see what the northern scene is, should be or ever was, but, that's just one person's opinions and feelings. We're all entitled to an opinion no matter how f**ked up it may be.

Edited August 15, 2009 by coops

[Guest Dave Turner]

don't get me wrong, i'm not angry or disrespecting those who either promote or attend this event it just makes me want to weep, it's a bit like that paul o'grady bit of shyte on his show, so very, very sad and soooo far from how I see what the northern scene is, should be or ever was, but, that's just one person's opinions and feelings. We're all entitled to an opinion no matter how f**ked up it may be.

Sorry Mick, gotta take issue with you there.

That's two person's opinions and feelings mate

[Guest Chris Waterman]

Stef

I wonder if you can help me, I am really interested in Sunday's add on event, the one at Monaco Ballroom Hindley (in the venue that Bob Brierley has been running soul nights at for the last ten years)

I see that you advertise 'The first ever every Northern Soul Awards' at 8pm, at www.wigan-casino.co.uk

Can you give a little more detail about this part of the event.

What are the categories?

Who are the nominees?

Who nominated them?

How were they voted for?

Can I still vote?

Who's counting or counted the votes?

Who will be presenting The first ever Northern Soul Awards?

Sorry I can't make the Saturday event as I am at Lifeline Allnighter in Wolverhampton, but if you can let me know about the questions listed above I will paypal my £6 plus £1.50 booking fee straight away

Think I can guess who has won 'The Lifetime Achievement Award

[Guest]

Think I can guess who has won 'The Lifetime Achievement Award

[coops]

Stef

Think I can guess who has won 'The Lifetime Achievement Award

surely a lifetime achievement award can't be awarded until said person is dead?

[Guest Soultown andy]

Cafe it'll cost me a fortune this is it isnt it ? Hi Rob hope you Karen are cool bestest Ken

There is already a major niter in wigan isnt there ken,and im pretty sure its fairly well attended,in fact can only think of one other niter that is better attended, even if it does have soul sam and some of TODAYS top soul spinners on.As a bonus its got an alldayer on on the bank holiday sunday, again with some of TODAYS top spinners al playing REAL vinyl.Funny thing is all the anniversary nites i attended were in sept not august,and low and behold next maxim niter [thats in wigan:whistling:] is on sept 12th and soul sams on,AND WE DEFINATLEY WONT BE HAVING A CASINO REVIVAL TO CASH IN [WEVE HAD A SEPT NITER FOR THE LAST 8 YRS ].Sorry m8 just to good a chance for a promoter of a real soul niter not to take,av a good un anyway im sure those that attend will enjoy it.

Edited August 18, 2009 by Soultown andy

[Guest]

There is already a major niter in wigan isnt there ken,and im pretty sure its fairly well attended,in fact can only think of one other niter that is better attended, even if it does have soul sam and some of TODAYS top soul spinners on.As a bonus its got an alldayer on on the bank holiday sunday, again with some of TODAYS top spinners al playing REAL vinyl.Funny thing is all the anniversary nites i attended were in sept not august,and low and behold next maxim niter [thats in wigan:whistling:] is on sept 12th and soul sams on,AND WE DEFINATLEY WONT BE HAVING A CASINO REVIVAL TO CASH IN [WEVE HAD A SEPT NITER FOR THE LAST 8 YRS ].Sorry m8 just to good a chance for a promoter of a real soul niter not to take,av a good un anyway im sure those that attend will enjoy it.

Yes!!

I aint going,no chance..........cant make your bank holiday either,and the 12th be at the other big one Rugby pity cant be in two places at once,hope Wigan M's is a stormer for you Andy,see ya' soon Ken

[macca]

Edited.

Edited August 19, 2009 by macca

[Stevie]

I make no apologies for saying this, seeing a lot of people queing to get in that shopping centre, my original membership card in my wallet, made my hair stand on end . the vast majority there were there to enjoy it. I had a look around the cafe display, i had a browse at the stalls, i had a drink or two and i had a dance or ten! Whittle, Evison, the soul twins, Brian etc etc all contributed to a fab night. i even enjoyed the dance competition. A lad from Nottingham won it, who i have subsequently got to know well, who i can now call a friend. (well done Pete).

Myself and Debbie are looking forward to this bank holiday weekend, a weekend of friends, music, reminiscing and enjoying ourselves. the grand arcade can be anywhere in the world as far as im concerned, its about the music and the friendship.... not forgetting the fab Monaco ballroom on the sunday.

Sorry, no disrespect intended, but I couldn't help but smile at this whilst looking at your photo