Wigan Album

Fuzzy or not Ron, memories.

I loved the place..loved it..loved it.

I went there many many times. The very last time was a Friday night in June 1969 my Hen party. I can never forget it…..

The Empress Ballroom opened in in the middle of WW1 -1916 by the Atherton family and by all accounts was an immediate success so much so that only eight years later a second Ballroom was added 'The Palais de Dance '.Two events could be held on the same evening , or on nights of ' big occasions ' both would be used and caused a little confusion ,the balcony of the Empress had large double doors that lead to the ground floor of ' The Pali ' very disconcerting especially if you'd had a tipple ( or 3 ).

On the subject of bars ,the ballroom didn't have a licence to sell intoxicants, hence the Saturday dances or midweek affairs it was non alcoholic drinks only ; on Friday night dances an occasional licence would applied for on the grounds that the dance was for some particular firms /works-dance or parish dance , in truth it was a way of circumventing the licensing laws . I must confess that Friday night dances were my chosen ones, the atmosphere always seemed more friendly, I can't think why ( hic ).

Many readers will remember the sofas round the dance floor , I think they'd been in situ since 1916 ! they were the most uncomfortable couches you could imagine- springs sticking out at every conceivable angle, rough moquette covering, not to mention the horsehair stuffing finding its way to the surface ready to impale any unsuspecting legs that may seek rest from dancing , it's no wonder girls gave them a wide berth particularly after the advent of the mini skirt ! Friday nights in the mid sixties the entrance fee was 5 shillings (25p) and the cheapest alcoholic drink was cider 10d (4p). People danced till 1am to Jess Greenough and his orchestra , mid week it was Ronnie Carr and Beat Boys. When The Rolling Stones appeared in November 1963 the entrance was 5 shilling in advance or 5 shilling and sixpence on the door, seems incredible by today's silly money. I wonder how many people alive today in Wigan and indeed around the world owe their existence to The Empress Ballroom . There must have been thousands upon thousands of marriages that happened because of a first meeting at 'The Emp ' .In the forties and fifties the venue was a particular favourite of the 'Yanks ' from their Burtonwood base and many girls from Wigan became G.I. brides .
This comment from Wigan World will give some idea or how far it tentacles reached -

Arlene Norton- Everett, Washington USA , May 2012.
I was looking for information about The Empress Ballroom as a way of connect wmy Mother's past, she passed away in 2005. My Mother was Edna Green, was born in Wigan in 1922 and live there until married in 1951 and moved to America. She had so many wonderful stories about dancing at the Empress. I was just I'm surprised to see one of her dance partners mentioned here she spoke a lot about Joe Bertrand and the the fun they had dancing at the Empress. I have a piece of the dance floor from the Empress that he had given her on her last trip home I'll treasure it forever thank you for the memories shared here

On a more parochial front ,most 'Wigan folk' would have gone to the ballroom at sometime or other ; times were very different young men would ask a girl to take the floor in a polite way -'May I have this dance ' , the offer was usually accepted as it would seem churlish to decline, however it was made very very clear if it was to be 'one' dance only , by refusing to engage in conversation and looking anywhere apart from her would be suitor . An often asked refrain " can I walk you home " would often be rebuffed with a firm " I can't leave my friend " If they hit it off , an arrangement to meet would be made the following week . Favourite meeting places for a first date would be Woolworths Corner or Lowe's Department Store ,alas now just memories like The Ballroom itself !
When the venue was renamed 'The Casino' it also got a full licence. I was fortunate to have tickets for the opening night, the star was Shirley Bassey ,who performed fantastically ; however not everyone was delighted when it was announced ' The bar will be closed during Miss Bassey's performance '.

As 'The Casino ' it went on to find worldwide fame as the home of 'Northern Soul ' it closed in 1981 - not for lack of enthusiasm , the town council owed it at that time and had plans to extend The Civic Centre, in the event the plans came to nothing, the cost being prohibitive . People still bemoan the closure of this icon to northern soul but that's another story for another day !

The Ballroom had an unhappy ending , engulfed by fire shortly after the last 'all-nighter' . So many memories blighted by the sight of the ashes , but as we all know memories can't be destroyed ! That is clearly exampled by the remarks from Washington USA cited earlier ,the piece of the dance floor mentioned must be even more treasured .

That was a really interesting read, Tom. Thankyou.

I like many other 'Wiganers' went many times to the Emp, works dances on Fridays and 'find a girl' dances on Saturdays. I saw Jerry Lee Lewis there in May 1962, who by the way is still performing aged 86.

Well written Tom, I saw Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Little Richard and Billy Fury. We used to go out through the Palais on to millgate to get the bus from the market place.

I was there every night except Wednesday ..my Dad said "why don't you take your pyjamas chick,it'll save you a bit of time"...I could write a book on my time there.

I remember going to see Tom Jones there with girls from work. He was at the height of his fame, but must have been before ‘69.. not sure of the exact year.

Maureen you say about writing a book, but that’s what all of us are doing by telling our stories. Go on Maureen get writing you’ll make a fortune.

This iconic place gave memories to so many people that attended it for myself I got in to soul music there back in 74/75/76/77 I met people from all over the U.K. at the all-nighters and have remained friends with many to this day and become a DJ myself on a part time basis , fascinating facts Ron !! folks still involved and ex members of the casino I’m sure would enjoy reading this ???? well done Ron

From about 1966 to 1970 I almost lived there went three times a week. Who remembers Mike Hurst and the Treckers, The Summers, The new generation, and who could forget Oggy and the membrains. I wonder how many met their to be wife or husband there.

THE SUMMERS were from Blackburn I think? They sang all the Beach Boys songs BRILLIANT.. I didn't go to the Palais much. I was more a SPORTSMANS guy .3 times a week at least.. Sundays and Thursday BEAT NIGHTS Monday STRIPTEASE NIGHT with some BRILLIANT Comedians.. Friday and Saturday. Cabaret Nights. Saw all the top comedians there Who were at the time just starting. LITTLE and LARGE CANNON and BALL, FREDDIE STAR, JOHNNY GOON TWEED BERNARD MANNING. JACK DIAMOND. BUNNY LEWIS..