An all-night spectacular for Northern Soul fans

DJs and enthusiasts are putting on the all-nighter at the Wigan Roller Rink, formerly known as the Empire Skate Ring, in September to celebrate the legendary Casino’s 42nd anniversary.

More than 1,000 fanatics who have kept the faith are expected to dance until dawn while a line-up of DJs plays an array of rare and original soul records on vinyl.

As well as attracting many people who attended the original Northern Soul all-nighters the event at Wigan Roller Rink is expected to draw many younger fans.

The event is also being organised by the younger generation of enthusiasts with 20-year-old Wigan promoter Jordan Wilson playing a major role in getting the all-nighter off the ground.

Jordan, who will also be spinning the decks on the night, said: “The soul scene is constantly progressing, every weekend the younger audience is increasing.

“At the Empire all-nighter my vision is to kickstart a young following of soul lovers from around the country as well as the original crowd who once graced the dancefloors at the all-nighters in the past.”

The roller rink gig has attracted an impressive line-up of DJs, with Northern Soul veterans such as Ian ‘Pep’ Pereira, Dave Evison and John Vincent being joined by the likes of Mark Freeman from the Nuneaton Co-op all-nighter, Pete Davies of the Blackheart Soul all-nighters and rare soul collectors and DJs The Willinghams.

Jordan has been promoting Northern Soul to younger fans for around five years, putting on nights in Wigan and Bolton and DJing at events, and says this event comes closest so far to his dream of bringing together the different generations of enthusiasts in a large venue.

The venture has also attracted the support of Richard Searling, a former Wigan Casino DJ who is one of the scene’s best-known promoters.

He said: “It’s great to have a major venue back in Wigan at last with guys spinning original vinyl and a passionate, forward-looking attitude.”

Organisers hope the roller rink on Swan Meadow Road will be an ideal venue as it has a Canadian maple-sprung wooden surface which should prove a perfect dancefloor.

However, there will be no repeat of the Casino’s famous “three before eight” songs to conclude the night as the tunes will have to stop at 6am.

As well as the action on the dancefloor soul fans will be able to browse stalls selling records, vintage gear, Northern Soul fashion and memorabilia.

The Empire Soul All-Nighter takes place at Wigan Roller Rink on Swan Meadow Road on Saturday September 17 from 10pm until 6am.

Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door. To book, search for Empire Soul All-Nighter at www.evenbrite.co.uk

For more information, search for the event’s page on Facebook.