Once in a lifetime line-up for 2nd Blackpool International Soul Festival

19 April 2017

A stunning once in a lifetime line-up of world-renowned names are set to perform at the North West’s biggest International Soul Festival from 16-18 June.

Over the three days the Festival will see an array of exclusive American Northern and Modern Soul legends take to the stage in the stunning surroundings of Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Among the  artists performing on the main stage are soul icons The Impressions who will be making their final UK performance after over 55 years in the business . Making his first ever FULL live performance in the UK will be the legendary vocalist Little Anthony , plus a showcase appearance from 70s rare groove king Leroy Hutson . As with the first event  there will be an exclusive Q&A session with American R+B producer / songwriter George Kerr who worked closely with and helped shape the careers of Linda Jones, The O Jays , Skull Snaps and many more.

Richard Searling is the man behind the Blackpool International Soul Festival having organised Northern Soul events for more than 25 years.

As a well-known face on the scene Richard has organised countless all-nighters across the UK but this year he wanted to create an even bigger challenge for himself.

“We set the bar high with our first event and we were rewarded with a great attendance but more importantly a very knowledgeable and passionate audience from all around the globe. No one style of music dominated too much , there was a wide appreciation of all the facets of classic and contemporary soul presented by over 30 DJs each skilled in their own area. Our guests were so impressed with the venue and the way the event was organised from the DJ turntables to the bar staff."

“This year we are honoured to be the setting for the last ever European show from the Impressions , and to also be able to present the first comprehensive live stage show from one of America’s most enduring R+B talents, Little Anthony."

“Blackpool and Northern Soul go hand in hand and it’s great to see the town continuing to embrace it in such a big way.”

The iconic Empress Ballroom will provide the main stage for the weekend playing host to no less than three big name stars, with its giant dancefloor easily able to accommodate more than 1,000 people.

The concerts on the Empress Ballroom stage will all be supported by Musical Director Snake Davis and band The Suspicions. With many of the songs set to be performed having never been seen live  since they were originally recorded in the studio this is sure to be a treat for Soul enthusiasts.

In the Opera House there will be a chance to hear from American R+B writer -producer George Kerr in a special Q&A session following the release of his book “Hypnotised by Music” . Over the years George has been involved with luminaries in the Hall of Fame such as Linda Jones, Alice Clark, Skull Snaps , The O Jays and The Moments to name only a few.
The Festival also features six rooms throughout the Winter Gardens complex filled with soul music and over 30 DJs from across the UK and Europe. Organisers are expecting thousands of fans to descend on the venue to enjoy the music, hear the Q&A session, visit exhibitions and shop in the specially created ‘Northern Department Store’.

Winter Gardens Managing Director Michael Williams added: “We are delighted to be promoting the second Festival in association with Richard.

“The Winter Gardens proved just how perfect it is  for hosting such an event and the audience can once again look forward to a great weekend of entertainment thanks to superb line-up of artistes.”

For more information go to blackpoolsoulfestival.co.uk or wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

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