Turn It Up, Wigan! Five Songs with Local Soul

From Northern Soul to modern beats, Wigan’s got rhythm!

Wigan isn’t just famous for pies, rugby and Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls — it’s got a music heartbeat that’s been thumping for decades. From the dancefloor glory days of Wigan Casino to viral terrace anthems and home-grown rap, these songs prove that music is as bold, proud and unpredictable as the town itself. Let’s spin through five unforgettable tracks with a proper Wigan twist!

1. I’m On My Way – Dean Parrish
This 1967 American soul number became the last record played weekly at the legendary Wigan venue Wigan Casino, anchoring it firmly in Wigan’s music heritage. Released originally in the U.S. with little attention, it was re-issued in the UK in 1975 and reached No. 38 on the UK Singles Chart. When his record took off in Britain Dean had no idea, having disappeared from the scene. The song was a favourite for all-nighter dancers and became symbolic of the town’s claim to the Northern Soul movement. 

2. Footsee – Wigan’s Chosen Few
Released in the mid-seventies, this Northern Soul influenced single—credited to “Wigan’s Chosen Few”—reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart.  The fact the artist name explicitly references Wigan ties the song to the town’s cultural brand as a Northern Soul hotspot. 

3. Will Grigg’s On Fire – (by fans/Wigan Athletic Supporters / adapted)
This track began as a terrace chant for striker Will Grigg of Wigan Athletic F.C.: “Will Grigg’s on fire, your defence is terrified”. It was adapted into a single and climbed up the iTunes/official charts in 2016. 

4. The Land of Pies – Gary Winstanley
A tongue-in-cheek, light-hearted tribute to Wigan’s pie-eating culture and local landmarks, released in 2025.    The lyrics include a list of lists of pubs, and landmarks such as "Shcoles Henge".  It also references local words such as "jackbit".  The video features aerial shots of Wigan and local landmarks.  Gary also created a Wiganese dictionary in 2018.

5. Tainted Love – Gloria Jones

Not Soft Cell, but originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, “Tainted Love” didn’t chart at the time but was rediscovered through the Northern Soul scene and especially embraced at Wigan Casino. The track became an anthem of sorts for the all-nighter crowd in Wigan, making it a key piece of “Wigan music” history.

Have we missed any of your favourites?  Let us know!