Russ Winstanley

Russ Winstanley (born October 1952) is an English DJ, originating from the Beech Hill area Wigan, Greater Manchester.He is best known for his championing of Northern Soul music. Since its closure in 1981, Winstanley has still been active, both on the Northern Soul circuit and in radio. He has hosted his own show on BBC GMR and XFM in Manchester, but is now hosting a regular northern soul show on BBC Radio Lancashire.

On 23 September 1973, Winstanley had the idea for putting on and DJing at the Soul Allnighters at Wigan Casino. Over four million people passed through the venue, which ran four nights per week, until 6 December 1981. Both Wigan Casino and Winstanley won many awards for best venue and best DJ. In 1997, Winstanley compiled Telstar Records northern soul album Soul Survivors. In 1998, his book Wigan Casino Story joined the best sellers' list.

He was also music consultant on the Bolton Octagon's re-staging of Once Upon A Time In Wigan. It was based loosely on Paul Sadot's original sell-out production of 2003. Ace/Kent Records released a CD compilation album in 2004. featuring music consultant and director, Paul Sadot's tracks from the original production.^[1]

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