Wigan Young Souls: A new night of Northern Soul Music

After huge success from the first night in January, the young soul’s next soulful instalment is on Friday, March 31, at Whelley Ex Servicemen's Club, featuring rare and classic soul tunes from the ’60s and ’70s.

Wigan Young Souls (now renamed Wigan Not So Young Souls) is originally the brainchild of Jordan Wilson, 26, a local DJ and promoter who has been collecting and playing original Northern Soul records since he was a teenager.

Now, along with travelling the breadth of the country and even overseas, Jordan now works with MD Records, a record label releasing unearthed soul music from 1960s America.

Jordan teamed up with a friend, lifelong Northern Soul enthusiast and DJ Jake Rigby, 28, to create a night that introduces new and younger audiences to the genre.

Both are determined to get more young people listening and learning about this timeless, energetic music.

Jake said:

“We are both passionate about Northern Soul music, and we want to share our love for it with other people.

"We have been inspired by the legendary Wigan Casino, which was the home of Northern Soul in the ’70s and ’80s, and we want to recreate some of that atmosphere and energy at our night.

"We also want to showcase some of the rare and obscure records we have collected over the years and play some of the classics that everyone knows and loves.”

Wigan [Not So] Young Souls features a mix of DJ sets from young Northern Soul DJs playing original vinyl, with guest DJ Tom Dacey, from Burnley and resident DJ Charles Simpson, from Wigan.

Their predecessors' music and culture inspire the (not so) new generation of Northern Soul fans, but they also bring their own twist to it.

They mix classic Northern Soul tracks with modern soul, funk, disco and R&B songs that share the same energy and groove. They also embrace diversity and inclusivity, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and styles to join them on the dance floor.

Jordan, who has run Northern Soul Events such as the renowned Empire All-Nighter at Wigan Roller Rink said: “We can't wait to establish this night on the Wigan music scene calendar.

"Especially with the current economic circumstances; it's a cheap night out for people who want to come along and hear some great music and have a dance.

"Whether you are a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, you will surely have a blast. It's a night of soulful music and dancing that will make you feel alive.”

The night runs from 7pm to midnight, and entry is £5 at the door.

For more information, follow Wigan [Not So Young] Souls on Facebook and Instagram.