First time visit to this fantastic event, first impressions when you walk in is the outstanding building and design, next is the sheer amount of soulies that attend, I was told that there was in excess of 2,500 people.
The main room dance floor is huge and the DJ’s kept the floor full at all times with ease. Musically in the main hall it was almost all Wigan oldies with a bit of Twisted Wheel and Mecca tunes etc thrown in for good measure, all in all a cracking atmosphere that takes you back to the days when politics and who played what didn’t matter. Everywhere I looked there were people having a great time, singing, dancing, stomping and clapping. It’s been many years since I’ve seen people dancing on the balcony, this place had it all.
We soon started exploring the other rooms and decided to spend the weekend between the Rare Room, the Mod R&B and the main room. The Modern Room and Club rooms were also good and packed with an electric atmosphere; however the Rare Room and the Mod R&B ticked our boxes.
John Parker, Tony Hatfield and co from the York Soul Club kept everyone entertained with no end of quality rarities, many of which you just don’t hear played out, also there were some excellent quality new rarities that were well worth putting on the wants list. The guests who played in this room really did have to play there best sets to keep up to the mark. I certainly will be putting the York Soul Club on the place to visit in the next year.
The Mod R&B room, what a great selection of music everything from gritty R&B tunes to Northern monsters, well worth a visit, a nice size room off the main balcony.
There were not many record dealers which was unusual considering the size of the event, also the 2.30 finish was a bit strange but seemed suited to this type of nostalgia weekend.
Sunday night was the big finish that went on and on, the last four records Dean Parrish - I'm on my way, Tobi Legend - Time will pass you by, Bobby Sheen - Something new to do and finally at least I think it was because we left after the second time of playing this was Jimmy Radcliffe - Long after tonight is all over.
The weekend next year will undoubtedly be sold out again, if you’ve not been to Bridlington put it on your to do list, it took us three and half hours to get there, however it was worth the journey, we did the weekender and then stayed a few days over to do some sightseeing around York and Whitby, this place has so much to offer.
click the links below for more on this site and information on the best rare soul venues to visit.
