A culture is born
“Don’t waste your time playing new records out of the American charts when you’ve got Northern people in the shop, play them these sort of records. Northern Soul”.
Dave Godin, Soul City records
Welcome To Thames Valley Soul Club
Northern Soul isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life, a culture born in the late 1960s that revolved around rare American soul records, all with a driving beat that made your heart race and your feet move. It’s about the pursuit of perfection: the rarest tracks, the most soulful vocals, and the most unforgettable nights on the dancefloor. But Northern Soul is more than the music. It’s the fashion, with loose-fitting trousers and vests, sewn with patches from your favourite clubs. It’s the lifestyle, where people traveled hundreds of miles to all-nighters and danced until dawn. And most of all, it’s the community—a shared love for a sound that was overlooked in its own country but embraced with open arms here in Britain.
Aside from Northern Soul will bring you the sounds of Tamla Motown, along with our Ska and Reggae friends and we may even bring you the sweet soul music of the 80’s and 90’s!
We are proud to continue building the soul music community here in the Thames Valley and we promise to bring you some fantastic soul-filled evenings where you will go home tired and exhausted from the the non-stop dancing that you would have enjoyed!
Keep The Faith!
Pete Longden, Founder Thames Valley Soul Club
A Northern History
Northern Soul, a vibrant subculture centered on rare American soul music, was brought to life in iconic venues across Northern England during the late 1960s and 1970s. The Wigan Casino, perhaps the most famous, became a pilgrimage site for soul enthusiasts with its legendary all-nighters and electric atmosphere. Equally renowned were the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, credited with laying the groundwork for the scene, and the Blackpool Mecca, celebrated for its innovative DJs who introduced more contemporary sounds. These venues were not just dance floors; they were cultural epicenters where dedication to music, dance, and style forged a community that endures today.
The Venues
Northern Soul, a vibrant subculture centered on rare American soul music, was brought to life in iconic venues across Northern England during the late 1960s and 1970s. The Wigan Casino, perhaps the most famous, became a pilgrimage site for soul enthusiasts with its legendary all-nighters and electric atmosphere. Equally renowned were the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, credited with laying the groundwork for the scene, and the Blackpool Mecca, celebrated for its innovative DJs who introduced more contemporary sounds. These venues were not just dance floors; they were cultural epicenters where dedication to music, dance, and style forged a community that endures today.
The TOP 50 dj's
Northern Soul DJs were pivotal architects of the scene, shaping both its musical identity and vibrant culture. Unlike mainstream club DJs, Northern Soul DJs tirelessly hunted down rare, forgotten soul records from obscure American labels, often traveling extensively to uncover hidden gems. Their discerning taste and dedication meant tracks were judged not by popularity but by their dance-floor appeal, giving DJs considerable power to make or break records. Influential DJs such as Ian Levine, Kev Roberts, and Russ Winstanley gained legendary status, their selections setting trends that rippled through Northern Soul clubs across the UK.
The Music
Northern Soul Top 500
Kev Roberts - Northern Soul Icon and His Top 500 Records
Kev Roberts is a name synonymous with Northern Soul, a genre that has captivated dance floors across the UK and beyond for decades. As a DJ, promoter, and author, Roberts has played a pivotal role in preserving and celebrating the vibrant culture of Northern Soul. His contribution to the scene includes the creation of the definitive “Top 500 Northern Soul Records,” a ranking that has become a touchstone for collectors and fans alike.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We have a residency at The Riverside in High Wycombe but look out for our events throughout the Thames Valley and Home Counties
Stay In Touch With us
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