The first proper UK club scene, Northern soul swept the ballrooms of north-west England in the early ’70s and got thousands of young people high-kicking to obscure US soul records. Last year Elaine Constantine’s film drama ‘Northern Soul’ sparked new interest in the scene, and now here’s a club night that takes Constantine’s cinematic tribute and drags it back on to the dancefloor.
Nightspot Cinema are planning to transform Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club into the Wigan Casino for one evening, with a screening of the film followed by an after party where you’ll hear all the Northern soul classics (and some funk, disco and hip hop for good measure). Cast members from the film will be doing meet ’n’ greets, you can trade records at a swap shop, and there’s also a dance competition if you fancy showing off those athletic moves. You’re also encouraged to get on your soul boy togs (Fred Perry shirts, brogues, and massive trousers), and anyone showing up on a Vespa or Lambretta scooter gets VIP treatment. Sounds like a proper do.