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Wilton Ballroon All-Nighters To End in 2013

Wilton Ballroon All-Nighters To End in 2013 magazine cover

Friday 21st September event is the last scheduled Wilton allnighter for 2012, and the next and final allnighter will be arranged around the 20th Anniversary sometime in March 2013. It is with deep regret that we have no alternative but to close the Wilton allnighter. The event is just not viable; the books don’t balance. For the first time in 19 years, the last anniversary night lost money (£470). We have tried everything to make it work, but the facts are simple: if people don’t attend in sufficient numbers to balance the books, we just can’t continue.

We have had some fantastic nights over the years, and we would like to thank you, the fans, for your support; also our regular and guest DJ’s who have continued to find new records and put together some fantastic sets.

We have finally come to the end of the road. The number of fans on the soul scene has exploded over the last five years but not in our direction. Increased numbers of allnighters, soul nights, and weekenders have taken their toll. In some respects, the Wilton has become a victim of its own success for several reasons: Our original music policy is now used at other venues all over the UK, so we are not special any more; we don’t get the travellers any more, they now choose their local venues; fuel costs have compounded the problem; many of our regulars are now promoting their own venues, which doesn’t help our situation; Saturday night events will always take preference to Friday’s; the list goes on. There’s nothing we can do about the situation apart from take our final bow at our 20th Anniversary in March 2013.

We hope to continue with our Soulful Sessions Nights next year if we can secure dates from the management.

The success of the next Soulful Session Night on Saturday, 10th November, with a special live performance from Darrow Fletcher, is crucial to us securing dates for 2013. We need all the support we can get for Darrow Fletcher, and the future of soul at the Wilton.

Tickets for this special event are available online at

www.wheatsheaf.com/allnighter or on Friday at the allnighter.

Thank you for being part of our lives for 20 soulful years. Mouse — Boxy & Val




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I am very sorry to hear that Dave, the place was legendary and has incredibly fond memories for all who went there.

A little club that made a huge difference and meant so much to the elite regulars. Ady

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Really sad to hear this news although it doesn't come so much as a surprise.

It has been a big part of my social life and I have had the privilege of DJing there a few times and I will miss the place greatly.

Modern life has got in the way and Fridays don't lend well to a night for an all-nighter. Family, a seven day working week now and the large amounts of events, even local on the same night haven't helped.

But nothing lasts forever so all that is left to do is make sure the Wilton goes out with a bang. This Friday could see the last all-nighter at the Ballroom so please help see it out in style, the same for Darrow Fletcher...lets see a full house.

A big shout and much respect for Mouse, Dave and not forgetting Chris for what I hope will be 20 years of the Wilton All-nighter. Great people, great venue, great music and some great times.

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Now how sad is that?The Wilton has been one of the few progressive venues,ran by folk who really care,been sad to see the club go down but those guys can be proud of what they have achieved at that venue.

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Mouse & Dave

Such sad news about my favourite venue............ever.

I've met so many great people at The Wilton with some of them becoming close personal friends.Not only has it introduced me to so many good people but my soul music education would not be the same without all the great sounds I've heard over the years coming from The Wilton dj's & all the info to go with those sounds from some of the most knowledgeable people on the scene.I sit here now with a heavy heart knowing it's going to leave a massive hole in my soul scene but hopefully in years to come it will get the acclaim it deserves & I count myself lucky that I've been part of The Wilton experience.

So well done Mouse,Dave & all the other who have helped give the scene one of the best nighters.........ever.

Cheers

Martyn

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its a sad fact ,but im as guilty as the next for not attending allniters anymore, the wilton for me has been a part of my social life since the start,allmost 20 years ago, but things have changed dramaticly over the last 5 years or so, friends move on and other things become more important in our lives,.id like to thank mouse ,dave and all who have helped make this a legendary allniter, and for giving me so much pleasure and great memories, col

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This is a real shame as I know that this was the venue that reignited my interest in new music over 10 years ago.

I know that I have never been a regular attendee but that does not change the feeling of sadness at the passing of something that was special enough at the time to make me want to come back to something that has been really good to me over the years.

Thanks to Mouse, Dave (and Jerry)

Steve Stones

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I'm too upset about this to add anything in great detail at the moment.

Have been there since day one, and by god I'll be there for the grand finale ..... with plenty of tissues!!

Means the world to me this place, as do all the people who have walked through it's great doors

Ali x

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Well done to all involved in one of the most important events of the scene. "ËœLife' has got in the way for most of us now - I have my 4 year old daughter's birthday party on Saturday, "ËœTime marches on'.......

Look back and be proud of The Wilton All-nighters.

All the best,

Len.

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Well what can I say?

I am very sorry to hear that Dave, the place was legendary and has incredibly fond memories for all who went there.

A little club that made a huge difference and meant so much to the elite regulars. Ady

I agree totally with Ady on this.

I remember a time when there was only 4 regular allnighters (100 Club, Wilton, Hyde & Stockport) and 2 soul nights (Bretby & Allbrighton) that were keeping the torch burning on New 6T's & 70's Northern Soul in the early / mid 90's. When you were lucky to get 100 in at a nighter.

To be fare to Mouse and Dave, other things have had to take presidence over their lives and rightly so. I know several people have offered to carry the nights on with moneytry help. But the reasons given are valid one's.

A great venue that I have always enjoyed with great people and great records. I've dj'd there countless times and for me it was perfect placement being 2 mins from the motorway in the middle of a industrial eastate.

It rightly deserved the title "100 Club of the north". I hope they do keep it going at least for another year with soul nights as it would be nice to see a 21st anniversary night.

March 2013 will be a sad time to celebrate my birthday but everything must end, so lets ram the place full on Friday, the Darrow Fletcher concert (including one Gaz Welsh) and next March's allnighter!

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What a shame,

Spent some memorable nights at The Wilton, more so through the 90's, whether as a punter or DJ (one night I remember the fire alarm went off 2 records into my spot and the building had to be evacuated!), always in good company and as Mark said great music. Sadly won't be able to make this Fridays event, lets hope it's a good 'un it deserves to be.

Guys, we salute you for your efforts!

I shall keep March 2013 clear for a visit and buy Mr Hanson a beer or course!

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THE END OF AN ERA

What is happening to our soul scene? I have never been to the Wilton and more is the pity. What the Wilton stands for in my humble opinion is what the soul scene was is and was always about. Listening and travelling to hear new music. Whether it be from the present day to going way back. I know that times are difficult cost of living etc, but venues of this magnitude should never be allowed to die. That is what is happening to the Wilton. Dave and Mouse have valiantly kept this running despite being out of pocket and not by just a small amount often running into hundreds of pounds. That could not be continued. Where are the regulars to this venue?. You know what will happen the ones that abandoned it will be the first to run kicking and screaming shouting WHY DID IT HAVE TO END. Dave, Val and Mouse along with others deserve a medal for carrying on despite all the setbacks such is there commitment to the music, always gracing the nights with the cream of DJs for our enjoyment. I know for a fact what it takes to run nights and it ain't no easy task, far from it. This is not only happening to the Wilton it is happening to venues such as Lifeline etc, Nights that bring all the people together and celebrate soul music at its very best. So the solution lies with you the punter and lovers of the music. GET ALONG TONIGHT AND SUPPORT THE WILTON.

Respect to you all fdsoul6345789

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sad to see this end

ive only been once since it re-oppened

and only about 10 times before that - once was to d j which i am very proud to say

friday nighters are tough

traffic on m6 from our way Crewe is always gridlock on fridays as people getting back from midlands oop north

then sat , most people going football or work

its been a credit to the Guys that they kept it goin

as people have said , was a leader with music when there werent many venues

too many same old oldies nights - 3 in Crewe alone playing Mostly the same stuff

hey but thats another story

WELL DONE GUYS AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE

loving there life

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