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 well-known dance venue that became huge for its northern soul nights. Tragically the venue burned down and was demolished after it was learned 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.
The Pier also hosts a well loved nightspot where local young people go to dance to bouncy house based dance music until late at night. The Pier area is very accessible as it is very close to the town centre and is an area that’s loved by residents and visitors alike, whether they want to look at the sites and the ancient buildings or go for a meal or party the night away.
The city is also well known for its links with the game of rugby, the local team are now called the Wigan Warriors and they were the first ever world club champions in 1987 setting a precedent in the sport for the area. Their soccer team have been a premier league team for the last 5 years as well as reaching their first cup final in 2006 showing just how successful they can be.
The locals 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. These 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 the town centre is the original Heinz factory which has the distinction of being the largest 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 the city overall has a lovely mix of history and of modern likes of sport and industry. Whatever your visit you will find something to entertain and educate you as you walk around this gorgeous town.
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