Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s Refuge has just announced the return of its epic Soul celebration with Home Run Soul Club, and its first-ever all-day bash going into the night this Saturday, 7th September.
As a special nod to the golden era of Northern Soul, Refuge is also set to bring a curated selection of the 50th Anniversary Wigan Casino exhibition programme from its home in Wigan into Manchester for the first time – closing the celebrations of 50 years since the opening of the iconic music venue.
Soul lovers can expect to see some of the best DJs under Refuge’s roof – from Yann Vatiste who is part of the fabric of the London soul scene and the man behind the brilliant Epsilon Records, to Rugby Soul Club legends Phil Shields and Tom Page, to name a few.
The free-to-see 50 Years On The Soul Stays Strong art exhibition is also set to go on display on the walls of Refuge this Saturday (7th September), in a double celebration to Northern Soul and the institution which was Wigan Casino. Curated by We Are Willow creative studio and art collective with photographer Dean Chalkley, the installation offers a unique look into the lasting influence of the iconic venue, discovering different perspectives unified by a love of music.
Photographer and multi-versed artist Dean Chalkley will be spinning records on Saturday too, as well as showcasing his short film, ‘Young Souls’ in The Vault at the ticketed evening event. There will also be limited edition merchandise available.
David Lockhart, General Manager at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wigan Casino 50th anniversary celebrations, and especially honoured to be closing the exhibition with HomeRun Soul Club all-dayer.
“Wigan Casino was a huge institution and means so much to people even now – so keeping those memories and the scene alive is a huge honour for us here at Refuge.”
When asked about the exhibition, artist Dean Chalkley said: “I didn’t set out to create the definitive story of Northern Soul through this collection, but I did aim to celebrate it. The photographic aspect is a study focusing on the burgeoning generation of young people getting into the scene, whereas the film brought the atmosphere and wonder of Northern Soul to life.
“I didn’t want to just recreate the past, but I did aim to produce timeless works that illustrate the culture as never before. It is great to show how people dance to Northern Soul music, but more importantly how it is a passionate experience, and how its devotees are immersed in it.”
Tickets for the special evening Home Run Soul Club event are now on sale, ticket holders can also expect limited edition merch, as well as special beer collaborations in partnership with Northern legends Seven Bro7hers brewery. Tickets for the Home Run Soul Club evening event in The Vault are priced at £10, and can be purchased here. DJs will also be spinning records at Refuge throughout the day – 12pm until midnight, free entry.
Open from 12pm on Saturday 7th September, the exhibition will be free to view in the Refuge public bar. The installation will be on display until November 2024. Merchandise is limited, and will be available while stocks last.
