A SPECIAL Northern Soul all-nighter will be held in Blackburn next weekend to celebrate the launch of a new film about the movement.
Northern Soul, a film tracing the scene’s Lancashire roots, is to be aired at King George’s Hall next weekend.
The invite-only screening will be followed by an all-nighter from 9pm through to 7am, featuring the country’s top Northern Soul DJs.
The movie, directed by Elaine Constantine, charts the rise of the genre in the 1970s, and features scenes shot at the Northgate venue.
It features actors including Steve Coogan, John Thomson, Ricky Tomlinson and Lisa Stansfield.
More than 800 people turned up at King George’s Hall in August 2012 to act as extras for the feature-length production.
It was selected as a film location because of its likeness to Wigan Casino, one of the top destinations for Northern Soul enthusiasts during its 1970s heyday.
Filming also took place at Norden High School in Rishton.
Ms Constantine, from Bury, is a photographer by trade but formed a production company in 2009.
She said: “When Northern Soul exploded out of the North it was spellbinding to witness. Young lads, who never expressed themselves were suddenly dancing with passion to this new sound.
“As a teenager, dancing to this music gave me an overwhelming feeling of belonging and euphoria. It’s this same feeling of excitement and belonging to something special that I want to give to the film.”
She added: “Northern Soul was phenomenally popular with British youths in the 1970s, taking the North of the country by storm.
“Northern Soul the film intends to appeal to those generations of fans while attracting a modern audience who can relate to youth culture from another era. If you were there, you’ll know. If you weren’t there, you’ll wish you had been.”
A 57-song soundtrack to accompany the film was released earlier this week.
The exclusive screening at King George’s Hall begins at 6.45pm on September 27, with the all-nighter following at 9pm.
Acts include Ginger Taylor, Dave Evison, Sean Chapman, Kev Roberts, Caspar, Wigan Young Souls, Mick H, Nige Brown, Pete Eccles and Richard Searling.