Wigan – Greater Manchester A Gem In The Northwest Of England
Wigan, Greater Manchester is in the north west of England in the county of Greater Manchester with a population of over 80,000. It is well known for the Wigan Casino which contrary to its name was not a casino at all but a nationwide famous dance venue that became huge for its northern soul nights. Tragically the venue burned down and was demolished after it was discovered that there was no way it could have been rebuilt. A shopping centre known as the Grand Arcade which cost 120 million pounds now stands in its place.
Other landmarks include Wigan pier which is a historic jetty where coal was loaded. It is steeped in history and is situated on the Liverpool-Leeds canal. There is a museum of local history where school children in the area are often taken. There is a working class room from the Victorian era where the children can experience what a lesson was like in those times.
For the younger people in the area the term ‘Wigan Pier’ usually refers to the nightclub in the same area that has been going for many years as well and plays bouncy dance music with some famous DJs happy to play their sets there late into the night for the enjoyment of those who go along. As well as history and dance music there are also many places to shop, eat and drink in the area.
When some people think of Wigan they think of sport. Soccer and rugby are massive with the soccer team known as Wigan Athletic being one of the best teams in the north west for the past 5 years and with the rugby team the Wigan Warriors being world club champions in 1987 it really is a town with a total adoration for sport.
The locals of Wigan are affectionately known as pie-eaters, this is because of the actions of Wigan workers during a general strike in the UK in 1926 formed by workers in the public sector. The Wigan workers were the first to go back to work probably forced to do so because of their poor living standards and mass poverty. They were said to be eating ‘humble pie’ and thus the name was coined.
Situated a mile and a half outside of Wigan town centre is the original Heinz factory which has the distinction of being the biggest food production factory in the Europe. There is also the giant sportswear company JJB Sports which was founded by Wiganer John Jarvis Broughton and was later taken over by David Whelan who is also the Chairman of Wigans soccer and rugby teams.
So Wigan overall has a lovely mix of history and of modern loves of sport and industry. Whatever your visit you will find something to entertain and educate you as you walk around this beautiful town.
