Allnighter Venues - Seedy Or Smart?

[Mace]

Following comments on the Steam thread I am genuinely interested on the overall view on whether the quality of a venue (smart or seedy) makes or breaks an allnighter?

I specifically ask about allnighters and not soul nights for a few reasons.

1. Its easier to get a smart venue at a reasonable cost for a soul night due to sociable hours for venue staff and overall cost of hire.

2. In my opinion, allnighters usually attract a different type of soulie, most soulnights seem to attract couples and the associated female partners prefer nice comfortable surroundings (though I'm not saying they don't at allnighters...hence the question)

By the way, I'm not talking about cowsheds, disused bus depots or outside toilets.

I know we are not getting any younger, and as we 'mature' we prefer finer things in life but I actually prefer the slightly 'seedier' venues....(suppose if the cap fits )

Your opinions please......

[Guest Ferrett]

I must admit that I love a dark dingy run down venue for nighters.

Two that immediately spring to mind are Bradford Queens Hall and Tony's New Empress Ballroom in Blackburn!

Just exactly when Tony's Ballroom was 'new' is open to debate, but I don't reckon it was this side of 1950. What a great venue though!! Toilets that you needed to wade through and sofas with about 3 tons of dust in them - GREAT. I think it was used for bingo during the week. I bet that was a treat for the local women-folk on a wet Wednesday evening in December!!! Does anyone know if it's still there?

As for Bradford, It was dark, VERY dark! And you realised why in the morning, because the place was painted a vile shade of purple and half the plaster looked like it was about to come crashing down to the dancefloor. Incidently, I went to this venue 3 or 4 times before I realised where the DJ 's were. Turns out they DJ'ed on the balcony with the light from a bedside lamp to cue records by!!

As for Steam, I've tried it a few times and it's definately got that right kind of seedy atmosphere, but somehow it doesn't quite work. I think ,bottom line is that it has become a victim of word of mouth and people have gone to other venues instead on the strength of feedback from others.

Have to say that the music there has been quality every time though!!

[Dave Morris]

I must admit that I love a dark dingy run down venue for nighters.

Two that immediately spring to mind are Bradford Queens Hall and Tony's New Empress Ballroom in Blackburn!

Just exactly when Tony's Ballroom was 'new' is open to debate, but I don't reckon it was this side of 1950. What a great venue though!! Toilets that you needed to wade through and sofas with about 3 tons of dust in them - GREAT. I think it was used for bingo during the week. I bet that was a treat for the local women-folk on a wet Wednesday evening in December!!! Does anyone know if it's still there?

To the best of my knowledge Tony's is still there.Still used as a venue for ballroom dancing.I remember going there as a youngster on a friday back in the early 70's.Good for picking up the girls.

Dave

[John Elias]

To the best of my knowledge Tony's is still there.Still used as a venue for ballroom dancing.I remember going there as a youngster on a friday back in the early 70's.Good for picking up the girls.

Dave

Tony's was my favourite nighter,both in music policy and especially the seedy atmosphere,always thought it was strange why that old dear used to confiscate talc!

[Guest 71TRSC]

Big echoey victorian ballrooms seem to set off certain records better like the Ivories rather than small compact carpeted venues. But apart from that sh1ttier venues like the Dome just seem right to me. The old unicorn club was good but Luton Rugby club doesnt have the right atmosphere for me, its too clean and clinical. Modern rooms just lack a little "soul".

[Ezzie Brown]

nowhere could be darker than the catacombs!!!!!!!!!!!1 for me every venue has its own charecter, i like wilton burnley hideway bidds weston s mare sheridans in the old day s middleton, so its the people and the music that make the amosphere then the room works simple!!1! my one is getting dodgy now mace!1 look at further comment on the want i posted!!

[Trev Thomas]

I must admit that I love a dark dingy run down venue for nighters.

Two that immediately spring to mind are Bradford Queens Hall and Tony's New Empress Ballroom in Blackburn!

Just exactly when Tony's Ballroom was 'new' is open to debate, but I don't reckon it was this side of 1950. What a great venue though!! Toilets that you needed to wade through and sofas with about 3 tons of dust in them - GREAT. I think it was used for bingo during the week. I bet that was a treat for the local women-folk on a wet Wednesday evening in December!!! Does anyone know if it's still there?

As for Bradford, It was dark, VERY dark! And you realised why in the morning, because the place was painted a vile shade of purple and half the plaster looked like it was about to come crashing down to the dancefloor. Incidently, I went to this venue 3 or 4 times before I realised where the DJ 's were. Turns out they DJ'ed on the balcony with the light from a bedside lamp to cue records by!!

As for Steam, I've tried it a few times and it's definately got that right kind of seedy atmosphere, but somehow it doesn't quite work. I think ,bottom line is that it has become a victim of word of mouth and people have gone to other venues instead on the strength of feedback from others.

Have to say that the music there has been quality every time though!!

you'd be mortified if you went to queens hall now, theyve turned it into a flaires 70's bar and put a big round bar in the middle of the dance floor

[Martyn Pitt]

Just exactly when Tony's Ballroom was 'new' is open to debate, but I don't reckon it was this side of 1950.

In 1944 my Father was stationed at Blackburn for his basic training, he used to go dancing at Tonys. So it is fair to say that I followed in his footsteps on this occassion.

Martyn

[Guest]

Seedy over posh any day... the darker the better and a good heap of dingyness helps the ambience

[Ged Parker]

Following comments on the Steam thread I am genuinely interested on the overall view on whether the quality of a venue (smart or seedy) makes or breaks an allnighter?

I specifically ask about allnighters and not soul nights for a few reasons.

1. Its easier to get a smart venue at a reasonable cost for a soul night due to sociable hours for venue staff and overall cost of hire.

2. In my opinion, allnighters usually attract a different type of soulie, most soulnights seem to attract couples and the associated female partners prefer nice comfortable surroundings (though I'm not saying they don't at allnighters...hence the question)

By the way, I'm not talking about cowsheds, disused bus depots or outside toilets.

I know we are not getting any younger, and as we 'mature' we prefer finer things in life but I actually prefer the slightly 'seedier' venues....(suppose if the cap fits )

Your opinions please......

To me it's more about the design than the cleanliness, style / age of decor. Ballrooms make the best venues for soul events especially nighters. The dancefloor should be the focal point. It should be big and wide and made of maple. The seating should be arranged to focus on the dancefloor and not split up into booths more remeniscent of an 80's night club. A venue with the right design can be dusty, tired, poorly decorated, but one with poor design even if super clean and upto date decor wise will not make a suitable venue.

Music wise it appears, much to my constenation, most people want the lowest common denominator. They like particular records rather than a style of music despite what they may say.

[Guest kid mohair]

Following comments on the Steam thread I am genuinely interested on the overall view on whether the quality of a venue (smart or seedy) makes or breaks an allnighter?

I specifically ask about allnighters and not soul nights for a few reasons.

1. Its easier to get a smart venue at a reasonable cost for a soul night due to sociable hours for venue staff and overall cost of hire.

2. In my opinion, allnighters usually attract a different type of soulie, most soulnights seem to attract couples and the associated female partners prefer nice comfortable surroundings (though I'm not saying they don't at allnighters...hence the question)

By the way, I'm not talking about cowsheds, disused bus depots or outside toilets.

I know we are not getting any younger, and as we 'mature' we prefer finer things in life but I actually prefer the slightly 'seedier' venues....(suppose if the cap fits )

Your opinions please......

Seedy for me, Dark must be dark hate lite up dance floors kills the atmospher, i suppose nice toilets really and finaly the right mix of people, i think put that together and you have a perfect setting oh one more thing..... QUALITY MUSIC.

[Russ Vickers]

Seedy for me, Dark must be dark hate lite up dance floors kills the atmospher, i suppose nice toilets really and finaly the right mix of people, i think put that together and you have a perfect setting oh one more thing..... QUALITY MUSIC.

Dark, good dancefloor, good PA, good acoustics, lots of little niches, half decent rest rooms...........atmosphere, some venues have it, some dont.......................& promoters when choosing venues, find a venue relative to the amount of people you expect to attend............there is nothing worst than a hoofing sized venue half or less full, I would personally prefer a smaller venue, that is packed,therefore creating a better atmosphere.

Russ

[matty s]

seedy got to be dark ,when your a crap dancer like me darker the better !

[KevH]

SOMEWHERE YOU FEEL YOU'RE GONNA GET MUGGED IF YOU STEP OUT OF LINE,WHERE THE HAIRS ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK STAND UP AS YOU WALK IN.OTHER THAN THAT,SOMEWHERE THAT FEELS LIKE YOU'VE COME HOME!!!

[Ezzie Brown]

the torch ,i think!!!!!!!

[Simon M]

I have to agree with Mr Rimmer . The Kent Soul Club have the perfect Northern Soul Venue

ps. Shame its not an all-nighter event

[Simsy]

Bit of both for me, not in the same place mind, but nice to have a mix. Though err on the side of seedy .. More character etc.

[Guest Bearsy]

I have to agree with Mr Rimmer . The Kent Soul Club have the perfect Northern Soul Venue

ps. Shame its not an all-nighter event

Its an old theartre

I aint just saying it because i am something to do with Kent Soul Club, but it has it all, great wooden dance floor, massive stage for DJs, seating, bars x2, quiet seating area/record bar, superb toilets, plenty of parking in close proximity,

it also has another room downstairs but not sure of the size of it yet, would make a perfect allnighter venue as it holds about 250/300 at a squeeze, we had 200 in there and there was room for more bodies,

if only they would let us put a nighter on in their it would be such a success thats for sure.

Read Dave Rimmers blog, he sums it up perfect

[Guest NASHEE]

I couldn't really give two hoots about the venue....as long as it's dark...the music is top notch and me buddies are there

[Guest Ferrett]

you'd be mortified if you went to queens hall now, theyve turned it into a flaires 70's bar and put a big round bar in the middle of the dance floor

WHAT!!! This is surely soul vandalism!! What were they thinking???

Nearly as shocked at that as I was when Stafford TOTW dancefloor went the same way.

The thought of Abba and the Beegees being played where Junior McCants and Timmie Williams used to rule the roost chills me to the bone. Grrrrrrrrr

Defiantely agree with the comments above about certain tunes sounding better in big cavernous venues. One of the best features of Blackburn was the walk from the car. As you got closer, you started to hear the strings and the harmonies echoing down the pedestrianised high street. All the drunken Blackburn youths were heading home, but we knew we were heading up those old wooden stairs to all night soul heaven. Hairs on the back of the neck time

Virtually all the comments above say that dark venues are better, so why do promoters insist in putting lights on at venues? A couple of UV lights should be enough for any venue (also shows up black bras under white tops very nicely ).

[Sanquine]

Old and dark run down venue's often have the best atmosphere, along with the old musty smell that comes with them

I also love smart venues such as Lifeline at "Ye Old Bell Inn", atmospheric, cosy and offers everything you need for a top niter. Imo.

Think it was Wigan Tiffany's went once hated every minute, too smart and Palm tree's, just didn't do it for me.

The venue, unless really bad and rundown isn't that important, except must have decent toilets. The reason's I'm there in the first place is what matters most to me

Karen

[Guest ZTSC]

Old and dark run down venue's often have the best atmosphere, along with the old musty smell that comes with them

I also love smart venues such as Lifeline at "Ye Old Bell Inn", atmospheric, cosy and offers everything you need for a top niter. Imo.

Think it was Wigan Tiffany's went once hated every minute, too smart and Palm tree's, just didn't do it for me.

The venue, unless really bad and rundown isn't that important, except must have decent toilets. The reason's I'm there in the first place is what matters most to me

Karen

Sounds just like The Stilton .

[mrs soul]

Dark, good dancefloor, good PA, good acoustics, lots of little niches, half decent rest rooms...........atmosphere, some venues have it, some dont.......................& promoters when choosing venues, find a venue relative to the amount of people you expect to attend............there is nothing worst than a hoofing sized venue half or less full, I would personally prefer a smaller venue, that is packed,therefore creating a better atmosphere.

Russ

HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU, SMALLER CAN GIVE YOU A GREAT ATMOSPHERE , BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, ITS THE MUSIC THAT DOES IT FOR ME , NOT THE VENUE, IF THE VENUE IS SMART , THEN THATS A BONUS.

[mrs soul]

I couldn't really give two hoots about the venue....as long as it's dark...the music is top notch and me buddies are there

CAN YOU REMEMBER THE CONVERSATION WE HAD SAT NITE, BUT THAT COULD BE THE START OF A NEW THREAD ENTIRELY......

[Guest Matt Male]

Think it was Wigan Tiffany's went once hated every minute, too smart and Palm tree's, just didn't do it for me.

Karen

Ah yeah i'd forgotten about that place, must have been just after the Casino closed. I only went once as well. It had a horrible circular dancefloor as i recall. Wasn't the niter in the Bali Hai room, usually where the Jazz-funk was at Brum Locarno (every Mecca place had one) hence the palm trees.

Memories are very hazy from those days. Can't think why...

[Guest vinylvixen]

Old and dark run down venue's often have the best atmosphere, along with the old musty smell that comes with them

Karen

Blimey, you'd have loved These Old Shoes.... dingy, smelly, sewers under the stage that reeked of 'Old London Town' on several occasions, old sofas that were worse than vaggies sleeping bags - but I wouldn't have swopped it for the world Once the 'magic disco light' was switched on, it became the 6Ts soul basement of one's dreams.

And then, for the very last night of These Old Shoes, the night was held in the same basement that the management had refurbed - but the atmosphere had gone. The magic disco light never shone again..... Jo

[timthemod]

Blimey, you'd have loved These Old Shoes.... dingy, smelly, sewers under the stage that reeked of 'Old London Town' on several occasions, old sofas that were worse than vaggies sleeping bags - but I wouldn't have swopped it for the world Once the 'magic disco light' was switched on, it became the 6Ts soul basement of one's dreams.

And then, for the very last night of These Old Shoes, the night was held in the same basement that the management had refurbed - but the atmosphere had gone. The magic disco light never shone again..... Jo

Jo how right, the refurb was awful, all that pine it was just too bright, sort of thing you'd put in your bedroom at home!

[Guest]

I'd rather have dark and seedy over nicer "posh" ballroom style venues, in fact the darker the better!!!... Like venues like Sheridan's, Bidds, Burnley, they have more character imo.

[Little-stevie]

I'd rather have dark and seedy over nicer "posh" ballroom style venues, in fact the darker the better!!!... Like venues like Sheridan's, Bidds, Burnley, they have more character imo.

Thats how you like your men too .....

Seedy and dark for me too,thats what all niters are about...

[Guest clanger v2]

Seedy everytime for me

Loved Bidds, but favourite at the moment is Jacks in London Bridge.

This thread just bought back a memory from Saturday in Brighton.....I was following Dave Evison up to the stage to put record boxes down, and he said something like 'it's dark, dingy and a bit dirty too.......perfect for Northern Soul'

[Geoff]

Blimey, you'd have loved These Old Shoes.... dingy, smelly, sewers under the stage that reeked of 'Old London Town' on several occasions, old sofas that were worse than vaggies sleeping bags - but I wouldn't have swopped it for the world Once the 'magic disco light' was switched on, it became the 6Ts soul basement of one's dreams.

And then, for the very last night of These Old Shoes, the night was held in the same basement that the management had refurbed - but the atmosphere had gone. The magic disco light never shone again..... Jo

Perfect description of These Old Shoes Jo. I know I'm inclined to go on about how much I enjoyed TOS, but I always left it and walked back across Tower Bridge to Liverpool Street on an absolute high. To me it had everything. Especially the sloping dance floor, lol.

Aside from TOS I actually like quite big dance areas, the Dome (despite the holes in the floor) and Plinston Hall spring to mind, also the Hitchin venue. Probably because I want to take up half the floor.

Also decent toilets are a must. I was caught short once at the Dome, not an experience to be repeated.

Karen and I had some laughs with our descriptions of toilets at soul nights on the Keeping The Faith list. I seem to remember she did an article in Manifesto on the subject, but my wife advised me not to do a male perspective, people might think you're odd talking about toilets at places you go to. As if it isn't odd enough to be travelling around to Northern Soul nights instead of being tucked up in bed by 10 pm.

But on a serious note, it is the music primarily, and friends that make a night.

[Guest]

Thats how you like your men too .....

Seedy and dark for me too,thats what all niters are about...

You know me to welll!!!

[Sanquine]

Ah yeah i'd forgotten about that place, must have been just after the Casino closed. I only went once as well. It had a horrible circular dancefloor as i recall. Wasn't the niter in the Bali Hai room, usually where the Jazz-funk was at Brum Locarno (every Mecca place had one) hence the palm trees.

Memories are very hazy from those days. Can't think why...

Glad someone else remembers it, and only went once - not just me then Was after Wigan closed.

Karen

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

To Me it's not always about venue. But as long as it's a fair size and can cater for a few people. They did ok at Peterborough Rugby club for all nighters and made a part up for the main room. But in terms of using a venue for better quality i say here we have the City club.