I used to think I was lucky living in the the north west of England with so many great northern soul venues within reach such as King Georges Hall at Blackburn, The Tower Ball Room at Blackpool and King's Hall at Stoke to mention just a few. Certainly, the first two mentioned have been well and truley sold out to the handbaggers and the third will go that way because the promoters are actively marketing them for that crowd.
For the first time since I can remember, I stayed in last weekend because I could not bear the thought of fighting for space on a dancefloor with handbaggers and townies. However, there is still a glimmer of light out there. Check the Yorkshire and north east scene and check out the marketing for the three six allnighter that was on Saturday - it will say ' strictly no handbags'. Nough said. ktf.