Those Who Were There

[url="https://www.sabrinafuller.com/those-who-were-there-at-home"]

Walk the past present and future of Wigan's rich music scene through a collage of voice and music: follow and scan the QR codes at Grand Arcade, John Bull Chop House, Station Cafe, Old Courts, The Tudor House and Fire Within.

Link

gaffer, Thanks for that link.
Just had a listen to all six tracks and with joyful reminiscence.

"Wigan's" rich music scene?
There's nothing music-wise that relates to Wigan. The same music can be heard all over the the UK, in every town, every disco, every pub and is on sale in every record shop.
Every town's music 'scene' is just as rich as any other's.
And you'd better think I'm taking the piss, because I really am!

Aren't you always?

Tonker, I really get what you are saying and relatively agree. I would only argue with the fact that Wigan's 'underground' or alternative/progressive scene in the late sixties and early seventies was something, somewhat special and attracted people from way outside the town. However, having said that I am sure that you will outline many other examples I will reluctantly have to eat my humble pie!
But the Tech Club, Market Hotel, FAG, etc were certainly unique...

JR, ANY 'scene' which has ever existed in Wigan also existed in other towns, nationwide. NOTHING is unique to Wigan.

Hang on a bit ..... there IS something unique to Wigan ..... there's people who don't live there, who think they do, who know nothing about the place, yet believe nowhere else exists. Indeed, they are the most small-minded people I've ever met!

Tonker; although my book of poems highlights some history and typicalities of Wigan, it mainly concentrates on the failings, etc. I think many people such as myself who have always lived in Wigan for 60 plus years will always focus on the problems.
Oh, just realised something - I have lived in Orrell for the past 7 years, so to save you pointing it out, Orrell isn't in Wigan! Cheers.

Not my era, Tudor House, yes; The Emp, Palais, Beachcomber, Room at the Top, Court Ballroom, Crawford Rooms, Bluesville, Las Vegas and Paradise club.

Kenee - The Beachcomber as I remember was in the basement under the Casino and was an under 18s event. I was there a few times when I was 15, 16. I remember the other venues you mention but I think the Tudor is the only other one I visited.
A few places here I frequented (that have probably been indicated numerous times on here) - Students' Union Club (old Swinley Labour Club), Sportsmans at Pem, a venue in the 70s under the Grand Hotel, FAG at the British Legion, Newtown (and later at the Swan and Railway), the scene in the Bier Keller... and might I go out of town and mention Gerraldo's in St Helens.

JR you're right, the Beachcomber was under 18s, I also visited the Bier Keller and the Sportsmans and The Geraldo. St Helens also had the Co Op ballroom. Not forgetting the Pink Elephant at Aspull.

Keenee,
Didn't know the Co Op Ballroom and didn't visit the Pink Elephant, although some friends did. Someone could write a good book on local music venues. Long ago (1970/71) when I started a disco scene with my mate, we bought our equipment off a DY from Leigh - Marvin James. It was ex BBC equipment as he sometimes filled in for DJs on the radio. He gave me a complimentary ticket for the Carlton Club in Warrington. I never went there but still have the ticket!

A good club in Warrington was The Blue Candle, also the Horse and Jockey. I forgot to mention The Plaza in St Helens, The Beatles played there four times.

Does anyone remember pig market in culcheth? I know and fondly remember all the places JR mentions.good music,good friends and never any bother.I should also mention good pies and beer.