Blackpool’s Mecca - in particular the Highland Room - became synonymous with the music movement, a genre with a fast, steady beat and simple lyrics. Thousands of people would flock to the resort for all-nighters, immersing themselves in the vibe. The photos dug from our archives reflect the whole scene back to the early days.
1. Northern Soul
Northern Soul night at the Highland Room in the former Mecca nightclub, 1998 Photo: Martin Bostock
2. Northern Soul
Dancers enjoy one of the Northern Soul all-nighters at the Cala Gran back in 1999 Photo: Mike Foster
3. Northern Soul
This was the Northern Soul Weekender at Blackpool Tower Ballroom in 2011. Organiser and DJ Richard Searling Photo: Bill Johnson
4. Northern Soul
In full flow on the dancefloor... Photo: submitted
5. Northern Soul
Where it was all at... Mecca in Central Drive Photo: na
6. Northern Soul
Grooving the moves at Northern Soul Weekender at Blackpool Tower Ballroom Photo: Bill Johnson