Soul much to enjoy

THE Queen Elizabeth Hall is set for a marathon soul extravaganza this weekend.

The soul train will arrive with Motown legends for the return of Souldham — including Pat Lewis, who has worked with Aretha Franklin and Issac Hayes.

Organiser Fay Jones predicts the 16-hour bash will attract more than 1,000 fans; the first event in 2007 brought 650 people over 12 hours.

Tickets have been sold worldwide and hotels are filling up with people hoping to catch a glimpse of American stars who have never performed in the UK before, including soul favourite Spyder Turner.

More than 20 UK Northern Soul DJs will give their services free at the event, which is once again in aid of the Mayor’s Appeal.

All proceeds will go to the Young Carers, The Alzheimer’s Society and The Ex-Servicemen’s Benevolent Fund.

Fay, a soul fanatic from Oldham, said: “This is going to have a huge knock-on effect on the town.

“People have been ringing, thanking me for bringing these stars over. Northern Soul is still huge and selling this many tickets proves the appeal is still there. The acts are so looking forward to performing on Saturday night.”

Also among the line-up is Darryl Grant, as well as an England v Scotland “Battle of the DJs” during the day and night.

Tickets are still available: details online at www.souldham2.co.uk.