Blackpool International Soul Festival Will Return in 2017

So, it seems that the Blackpool International Soul Festival is to become an annual event!

This year saw the first ever Blackpool International Soul Festival when a stellar line-up of North American and Modern soul artists delighted thousands of music fans at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The three-day event was a massive success. Now, organiser Richard Searling is working with the Winter Gardens team to organise next year’s performances.

Speaking about the festival, Richard said: “It was just such a fantastic weekend and the response we’ve had from the fans has been incredible. I reunited with long lost friends I had not seen out anywhere since the glory days of the Blackpool Mecca and Wigan Casino.

“The artists, the Winter Gardens team and everyone who got behind the event have helped to make it such a success, we couldn’t have asked for better support.

“The line-up was incredible with some of the tracks having never been performed si
nce they were first recorded – I really don’t know how we’re going to top it, but rest assured we’re already hard at work planning for another spectacular year.”

A Soul Sensation

More than 2,500 fans enjoyed live music from American soul icons Bettye Lavette, Gerri Granger, Harold ‘Bobby’ Hutton and Dee Dee Sharp in the Empress Ballroom. The ballroom was transformed into the festival’s main stage. In addition, two hundred scooters took part in a rally in St. John’s Square. Furthermore, the Pavilion Theatre played host to a Q&A session with Motown’s first A&R man, Mickey Stevenson.

Six rooms throughout the Winter Gardens complex gave festival goers the chance to immerse themselves in a plethora of different musical styles including Soulful Jazz and Dance, Northern Soul all-nighters, Mod and Ska and Luxury Soul.

For shoppers, a ‘Northern Department Store’ was opened as a wonderland of Soul memorabilia! Visitors could pick up autographed commemorative 45s, vintage clothing, rare records, official patches and other merchandise.

The second Blackpool International Soul Festival takes place Friday , the 16th of June to Sunday, the 18th of June 2017. Tickets are on sale now with a special early bird discount, subject to availability.

Winter Gardens Managing Director, Michael Williams, added: “We’re thrilled with the response to the first Blackpool International Soul Festival.

“The town has a long standing association with soul music and this Festival is keeping Blackpool firmly on the map, bringing some huge names to the town.

“Richard’s vision for the Festival has really shone through, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2017.”

For more information go to www.blackpoolsoulfestival.co.uk or www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Dates and Ticket Prices

Blackpool International Soul Festival takes place from Friday, the 16th of June to Sunday, the 18th of June 2017 at the Winter Gardens. Tickets are now on sale, all subject to availability.

• Early Bird: £35.oo (offer ends on the 30th of September)
• VIP tickets: £75.oo (strictly limited)

Please note that a booking fee applies.

To book tickets, visit www.blackpoolsoulfestival.co.uk or call 0844 856 1111. For VIP tickets, call the VIP Hotline on 01253 629666. For regular updates on the event, visit and join the official Blackpool International Soul Festival Facebook page.