A musical legend is set to take the stage at a Darwen music venue on Friday.

Russ Winstanley, regarded by some as one of the most influential Northern Soul DJs will perform at Sunbird Records in "Russ Winstanley's Wigan Casino Roadshow".

There will also be a guest appearance from Darwen singer Paul Stuart Davies.

Russ is best known for championing northern soul music at the Wigan Casino nightclub, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

He will be playing the finest Northern Soul records on Friday evening until the early hours.

Singer Paul will also be performing on Friday. He is ccelebrated by many legends of American soul music and works regularly alongside original Motown artists, both on stage and in the studio.

Paul said: "It's been quite special to have been one of Russ's chosen artists time and time again since we first met in 2015. 

“Thanks to Russ I have had the chance to sing all around the country and share the stage with many of my Motown and Northern Soul heroes such as Kim Weston, Tobi Legend and Gloria Jones, which in turn has led to me working alongside them and even more legendary artists in the USA and Africa. 

“This is the first time that we've brought our partnership to my home town so it's great to be able to welcome local friends who haven't seen the show before."

A spokesperson for Sunbird Records said: “We're so pleased to be able to bring the legendary Russ Winstanley to Sunbird Records on what is the 50th anniversary year for Wigan Casino and will show the venue off to hopefully a new audience.

“Russ is responsible for breaking some of the biggest sounds on the scene and has worked alongside a who’s-who of soul music royalty.

“All music is from original vinyl and will keep you dancing all night long.

“It is also a pleasure to have Paul come in and sing, he is a leading vocalist not just locally but internationally and we can't wait to hear him bringing some Motown and soul classics to the venue.”

Doors open at 7pm and Russ will be spinning records from 8pm, followed by a live performance from Paul.

Russ will take over as DJ after Paul’s performance.
Tickets are £10 and can be purchased via Skiddle or Fatsoma.