THE first instalment of Barnard Castle Soul Club gets under way in December at The Witham. An incredible DJ line-up is ready to spin their soul decks, transitioning from sixties and seventies melodies crossing over to modern and northern soul in an evening dedicated to the genre.
Organiser, veteran DJ and former Barnard Castle resident, Craig “Tosh” Campbell, has put together the evening after years of requests.
Tosh, who now lives at Merrybent and began deejaying at the tender age of 14, said: “I’m 52 now. I have worked discos at most of the pubs and halls in town and in Teesdale and people were always asking when I was going to do a soul do.
“So, I’ve finally put it together. I wanted to try and bring back the good old days, like they used to be in the seventies and eighties. This place would be packed out every week and it was jumping.”
The night on Saturday, December 7, starts early at 4.30pm until late and will see Neil Massey from Soul and Grove Show and Thrift Weekenders, Budgie, from Richmond Soul Club, Sean Taylor, of Ibstock Soul Club, Jonathan Woodliffe, also of Soul and Groove Show, as well as Dave Oliver and Tosh, known as Heaven in the Afternoon, playing feel good grooves.
The father-of-one added: “These guys are top draw deejays in the soul world and I have played with them individually, but this is the first time they’ll be playing in one place together.
“We have four huge names – Neil, Budgie, Sean and Jonathan – and Dave and will fill in the gaps.
“I’ve done loads of soul nights and weekenders but never anything in Barney. Dave and I regularly do Darlington Market Place during the summer and it’s buzzing, so, it’s the opportunity for everyone who has ever asked to do it here, to buy a ticket and come along and enjoy the night.
“One of the great things about The Witham is the hall has a sprung floor. There are not many places that have them – Blackpool ballroom does – and it’s great for dancing.
“I’m hoping that if it’s successful we’ll make it a regular event, maybe twice a year – one in the summer and one in winter. It’s a bit of a fundraiser as well, as after all the costs everything made will go to The Witham.”
Tickets to get on board for the first instalment of Barnard Castle Soul Club on Saturday, December 7, at The Witham in Barnard Castle, cost £12 in advance and are available through the box office by calling 01833 631107 or online at thewitham.org.
