Whitby Pavilion Soul Weekender

It was a long wait but it was worth it. The 20th anniversary was significant as it shows just how established the event has become. I only started in 2014 but it's an essential part of the summer tour combining great location, friendly people and a rich selection of the finest music. Full marks to the promoters for persevering and delivering as promised. If there were any problems (aside from toilets and a leaky roof) they were invisible, aside from absent djs unable to attend. Sorry not to see John Poole for his Saturday slot, and very sorry indeed to be deprived even longer of the legend that is Soul Sam. Those who covered for him did a sterling job (special mentions to Sam Evans and to Mark Freeman, whose Saturday marketplace set was very much in the spirit of the great man). Hopefully both are well and will be back in action very soon.

Most of our time was spent in the main room where there was a mixture of familiar sounds with some more left field selections that kept us on our toes in every sense. Derek Mead in particular kept us guessing with a couple of unfamiliar versions of very familiar tunes, but to hear Connie Stevens' Tick-tock played out over that fantastic sound system did justice to Thom Bell's incredible arrangement. Mick Taylor did a great job of covering for John Poole on Saturday, finishing with David Ruffin's Rode by the place we used to stay, doing a similar job for Van McCoy's arrangement.

Downstairs in the modern room Phil Kingswood still puts a great set together covering 70s to the present, and very nice to hear him play Julian Jonah's great release from last year in the marketplace on Saturday. Somehow we lost him on Sunday when he got moved in the schedule, which was a pity but Steve Luigi in the main room played to his usual high standard, now a firmly established Sunday highlight. John Barker filled in for Kev late on Sunday and it was good to hear the Flaming Emeralds Have some everybody played out to a heaving dancefloor. Before him Ginger Taylor played a cracking set. And somehow we caught Julie playing Teddy P's Where d'you put my loving ... don't hear that played out nearly enough! Thanks also to Chris Box for some great selections on Friday.

All in all it was a great success and over far too fast. Just as well our tickets for next year were purchased before our heads hit the pillow last night. Many thanks to the traders, Pavilion staff, organisers, djs and punters who make the whole occasion so successful. Roll on 2023!