The John Bull is reopening next week. Well, sort of.
Wigan Athletic are moving one of Wigan’s best-loved pubs to the Brick Community Stadium for one night only, as the club throws its support behind the John Bull following the devastating fire earlier this month.
When Latics take on MK Dons on Wednesday, September 2, Whelan’s Bar will temporarily become “The John Bull Chophouse”, with live music, a soundtrack inspired by the Bull’s famous jukebox and the chance for supporters to donate to the Save The John Bull fundraiser.
It’s the latest show of support for the pub since the fire in the early hours of August 4 caused extensive damage to the Grade II-listed building and forced it to close.
And there is a particularly nice connection between Latics and the John Bull. Only weeks before the fire, Wigan Athletic chose the pub as the setting for the launch of the club’s 2026/27 home kit, joining forces with local band Stanleys for a campaign celebrating the people, places and personality of Wigan.
The John Bull itself became one of the stars of the launch, with its unmistakable interior, famous jukebox and fez-wearing Handbag providing the backdrop.
Nobody could have imagined that just weeks later the pub would be devastated by fire.
Since then, the response from Wigan has been extraordinary. The Save The John Bull fundraiser, set up by regular and local musician Joe Astley, has raised more than £15,000, while musicians, businesses, customers and organisations across the town have found their own ways to help.
Now Wigan Athletic are joining them.
The John Bull Takeover will begin in Whelan’s Bar ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off against MK Dons, with live music from Shell City and Joe Astley between 6.15pm and 7.35pm. And while the real John Bull jukebox is currently away in Leeds being repaired following the fire, its spirit will make it to the Brick. Music around the stadium will include a selection of tracks inspired by the Bull’s legendary jukebox, while supporters will be able to donate directly to the Save The John Bull fundraiser throughout the evening.
John Bull landlord Peter Clark said: “The support we’ve received from people across Wigan since the fire has been incredible and has reminded us just how much the John Bull means to so many people.
“We’re determined to get the doors open again and welcome everybody back. Until then, events like this keep that John Bull spirit going and we’re really grateful to everyone who continues to support us.”
Wigan Athletic Head of Marketing Liam Brown said: “Pete, Vic and everyone at the pub were brilliant with us when we used the John Bull for our home kit campaign earlier this summer, which made it particularly difficult to see what happened just a few weeks later.
“The response from the town has shown just how loved the John Bull is. We wanted to do our bit to support that effort, have a little fun with the takeover and, most importantly, help raise more money and awareness as everyone works towards seeing the pub reopen.”
The takeover comes during what is turning into a significant period in the effort to get the John Bull back on its feet.
Furniture has now been removed from the pub to be placed into storage ahead of the restoration work, while its famous jukebox has been taken back to Leeds by Sound Leisure, the company which originally built it. They stepped in after receiving a flood of emails from people following the fire asking if the much-loved machine could be saved. The company came over to Wigan, collected it and took it back to its Leeds factory, where it will be repaired and restored free of charge.
Pete has also told what’s happening in Wigan that the John Bull isn’t expected to reopen until at least Easter next year, although the family are hoping it might be possible to get back inside sooner. March would be particularly special, as it will mark 50 years since Vic’s dad, Harold, took on the John Bull in March 1977. The pub has remained in the family ever since, making a reopening in time for that anniversary something everyone involved would dearly love to see.
Before then, there is plenty happening to keep the Bull’s name, and spirit, alive.
Just four days after the Latics takeover, Bullstock will take over Believe Square on Sunday, September 6, with local bands and musicians coming together for a huge fundraising event in support of the pub. The event runs from 2pm until 10pm, with tickets priced at £15 plus booking fees.
And later in September, The Monaco in Hindley will host the John Bull Jukebox Weekender, three days and nights of live music raising money for the Bull.
But before all that, on Wednesday night, the John Bull is going to the football. It won’t quite be Coopers Row. The jukebox won’t actually be there.
But for one night only, Whelan’s Bar will have a new name above the door.
The John Bull Chophouse.
