Northern soul

A huge northern soul all-nighter is returning to one of the scene's spiritual homes for the first time since the pandemic hit.

The annual Empire event, in Wigan, was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions but it is set to finally take place at the 1,000-capacity Wigan Roller Rink, this Saturday (September 18).

This year's all-nighter is set to be the last under the Empire name and organiser Jordan Wilson is hoping it will also be the biggest.

The event will run from 10pm until 6am, with some of the scene's top DJs spinning original vinyl across two rooms, including the main hall - which boasts a massive Canadian maple sprung dancefloor.

There is also free, secure parking in a floodlit car park at the venue.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/massive-1000-capacity-northern-soul-21518291

There’s also this event the weekend after, Lolly:





williams.pub/thecharlesdickens / Facebook

A 148 page book of photographs from the last ever Northern Soul night at the legendary Wigan Casino taken by photographer Francesco Mellina in 1981.

https://www.80scasuals.co.uk/shop/places-i-remember-book-8j38w-tsryb-l38am

Link - Wade In The Water: Northern Soul And Me

The Inside Story Of
MR M's – Wigan Casino's 'Other' All-Nighter
1974–1981
by STEVE WHITTLE
Hardback 224 pages


With your memories, rare photos and interviews with the DJs that made it happen. Paying tribute to the music, the life-long friendships and weekly trips to this legendary Northern Soul All-Nighter.

Researched and authored by original Mr. M's DJ, Steve Whittle.
Curated and produced by Richard Searling B.E.M

Link: mr-ms.company.site

40 years ago today

Something a bit different …

Soul Dancers Drawing Club with Rebecca Sammon & Wigan STEAM
Thu 7th Oct, 7pm - 9pm: Eventbrite

Free online drawing class taking inspiration from Northern Soul dancers

@RichardSearling:



Book Link: mr-ms.company.site (available Dec)
2022 Calendar: northernsoulhistory.ecwid.com]

enjoyed that lolly

Sunday 12th February at The Old Courts in Wigan (Facebook)

Northern Soul at the proms

The roof of the Royal Albert Hall nearly comes off in this special Prom dedicated to northern soul, curated by Wigan’s Stuart Maconie and Manchester’s Joe Duddell.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001q211/bbc-proms-2023-northern-soul-at-the-proms

Wigan Casino 50th Anniversary Programme



50 Years On The Soul Stays Strong
The Northern Soul scene gave a generation of working-class people an escape from the 9-5 grind and freedom to express themselves through music and dance.

This exhibition explores the lasting influence of an iconic venue, discovering different perspectives unified by a love of music. Includes work by acclaimed artists Dean Chalkley and William Titley, alongside newly commissioned work by students from Wigan & Leigh College.

When: 21 September – 21 October, Thursday – Saturday, 10-4pm

Where: Grand Arcade shopping centre

Free entry

https://www.visitwigan.com/Events/Casino-50.aspx

The Turnpike Gallery
@theturnpikegall
A new free exhibition opens tomorrow at the Grand Arcade celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Wigan Casino.
It will be open from the 21st Sep-21st Oct, Thurs– Sat 10am-4pm, so come along and experience a part of Wigan's history!

What kids of today think

https://twitter.com/i/status/1704797627273936919

Tracked down

https://twitter.com/i/status/1705102947053367515

Today 23 sept 2023 the 50 anniversary of the first all nighter

There’s a great photograph exhibition in Wigan to celebrate. Interesting items to see in the Museum of Wigan Life as well.

There’s also this exhibition in the old WHSmith’s in the Grand Arcade - Video

jo anne wrote:There’s a great photograph exhibition in Wigan to celebrate. Interesting items to see in the Museum of Wigan Life as well.

Its not that long ago the council were threatening and fining shop owners for having similar street junk advertising there wares, causing problems for people with poor eyesight

Was this threat to make up for their poor foresight?