Northern Soul

Northern Soul was a British youth movement and music scene centered on rare American soul records from the 1960s, particularly uptempo, danceable tracks that were often commercial failures in the US but became treasured by UK collectors.

When it started: The movement emerged in the late 1960s, with roots in mod clubs in Northern England around 1968-1970.

When it peaked: The scene reached its height in the mid-1970s, particularly around 1973-1976. The Wigan Casino all-nighters became legendary during this period, and the scene gained significant mainstream attention.

Where it happened: Despite the name, it wasn't exclusively northern - the scene was strongest in the English Midlands and North, with key venues including:

- The Twisted Wheel in Manchester (one of the earliest)
- Wigan Casino (the most famous, ran 1973-1981)
- The Torch in Stoke-on-Trent
- Blackpool Mecca
- Various clubs in cities like Wolverhampton, Nottingham, and Sheffield

When it ended: This is debatable - the classic era ended in the early 1980s when Wigan Casino closed in 1981, but the scene never truly died. It evolved and continues today in a more underground form, with dedicated collectors and club nights still running.

The scene was characterized by all-night dancing, athletic moves, distinctive fashion (baggy trousers, bowling shirts, patches), and an almost religious devotion to authenticity - with fierce debates about whether DJs should play original pressings versus reissues or bootlegs.

"I got into northern Soul through my Uncle who was an old mod from the 60s, we used to go to The Twisted Wheel on Whitworth Street in Manchester on Sundays early 2010’s, I was in my early 30s then. the people welcomed me and most of the blokes reckoned they knew my mum who used to go the Torch in Stoke…. Ha ha!" - Ollie

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