Northern Soulies flock to Oldham

Photo: Gareth Lowe

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NORTHERN Soul devotees flocked to Oldham from across the country and overseas for a 16-hour, all-night dance session.

“Souldham” ended at 6am yesterday. Live performers at the Queen Elizabeth Hall included the nine-piece DJ Jones Band, Spyder Turner, Pat Lewis and Darryl Grant, with wall-to-wall Northern, motown and classic soul tempting fans on to the dancefloor.

Organsier Fay Jones of Hathershaw expected over 1,000 people for the event, which raised money for the Mayor’s Appeal.

An England versus Scotland “Battle of the DJs” provided entertainment throughout the day and night, and diehard soul supporters had a ball.

Fay’s granddaughter Grace Izzo (5) was the youngest to take to the dance floor - until her 10pm bedtime.

Fay, a Northern Soul lover for 50 years, travels the country following Norther Soul nights.

“A lot of people stay all day and night, but pop back to their hotel for an hour or so in the early evening to get changed and have a bite to eat before coming back when the acts come on stage.

“We get all ages, young people are well into the music, some of them DJ, some are record collectors, and some just come to dance. It’s like one big, happy family.”