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The Prestatyn Soul Weekender Returns

The Prestatyn Soul Weekender Returns

The Prestatyn Soul Weekender Returns !

Following huge public demand, Pontins have announced the welcome return of the Prestatyn Soul weekender at their largest holiday camp at Prestatyn in North Wales over the weekend of March 8-10th 2013.

Between 2001 and 2011 the weekender was widely acclaimed as the leading event of it's kind and quickly became a national institution for soul devotees from Great Britain and beyond.

Every March, over 2000 like-minded souls made the annual pilgrimage to the North Wales coast the celebrate the best in Northern Soul, Motown, Modern and "crossover" soul as played by many of the UK's top DJs.

Following the last event (the 10th anniversary) in March 2011, the Prestatyn site was taken over by the Britannia group who have now invested heavily in upgrading the accommodation and the entertainment venues.

With thousands of new beds now in situe, as well as new flooring in many apartments plus an additional 80 top of the range "club" apartments available, comfort as well as an untouchable array of great soul music is now guaranteed at Prestatyn.

With "recession -busting" great value pricing set for the re-launch weekender ( prices start from as little as £29 per person for 3 nights self-catering!) demand is set to exceed capacity for this event.

Looking back, in addition to a well-respected list of DJs representing soul clubs from all parts of the UK, what really set Prestatyn apart from the rest was the exclusive live artists they were able to attract - and in March 2013 it will be another jaw-dropping act to savour - The Vibrations!

The 4 man group flying in exclusively to appear at the event and are itching to get on stage and to see Prestatyn rock to 2000+ people singing along to their many dancefloor anthems including" Gonna get along without you" , " ' Cause you're mine" and " Surprise Party for Baby"!

Carl Fisher, lead singer of The Vibrations says about their forthcoming visit :

" I want to take the time to thank in advance all the fans of Northern Soul music and the people of England for making it possible for us to come over and perform for all of you. I remember my first time coming over there in the sixties and how we were made to feel welcome in your country. At that time we were backed by a great band who went on to become "The Moody Blues". We played at The Twisted Wheel and The Cavern Club and many other venues and had a good time. We are looking forward to singing "'Cause you 're mine" , "Shake it up", "Surprise party for baby" and "Ain't nothing but a houseparty" ( which I wrote for my good friend Earl Smith of the Showstoppers), who will also be there with us. It is because of people like you who have kept the music alive and make it possible for us to still be doing what we enjoy. We will see you all in March.

Sincerely, Carl Fisher ( the original lead singer of the Vibrations, The Jay Hawks and The Marathons)"

In addition to an exciting live act that will be sure to pull in a huge audience, there are five separate venues covering classic Northern , Motown and Modern soul as well as specialist sessions for lovers of 70s "crossover" soul, 60s RnB and " Rarest of the rare" All Nighter sounds.

Appointed to select the DJs and schedule the entertainment on site is a man who was very involved with Prestatyn the first time around - John Poole. John says : " To have Prestatyn back is a dream come true. With a site that has undergone a huge refurbishment , a mind-blowing headline act direct from America, and a great DJ line-up to cater for all tastes. Add to that the incredible value accommodation deals that are on offer , and I m certain the hundreds who regularly tell me how much they miss Prestatyn are going to be highly delighted at this great news. Britannia have taken their time, made the right improvements to the accommodation and are determined to retain the best elements of the "old Prestatyn" , but to also make the necessary improvements to ensure that the 2013 weekender experience will be the best one yet".

Britannia's event sales manager Lucas Czarnecki commented: " Due to repeated enquiries and questions from the public it has been decided to resurrect the Prestatyn Northern and Modern soul weekender as it's one of the most iconic and successful events in Pontins 65-year history. After long discussions and many meetings we have compiled a team of experienced, passionate and dedicated consultants as well as a top line up of DJs - people who truly dedicated their lives and careers to establishing and preserving the Northern Soul scene in the UK. We are happy to organise this event again and welcome the UK soul scene back in North Wales. We hope our efforts in restoring Prestatyn's accommodation combined with the great value relaunch pricing and a most exceptional and exclusive American live act will put Prestatyn Soul Weekender on the UK map for years to come"

For further details, The Prestatyn Soul weekender has a new, regularly updated website : www.prestatynsoulweekender.co.uk, plus a dedicated e mail address info@prestatynsoulweekender.co.uk, or follow via Twitter : UKsoulweekenders

Bookings for Prestatyn 2013 are being taken now via www.pontins.com or by phone on 0844 576 5949 / 01745 881800 .

When booking please quote reference no: NSP1

Info via John Poole




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Casper

Members

proper pleased this is on again ! .. superb atmosphere .. nothing "plastic" about this place , top "northern soul" venue , it will be packed to the rafters !

pete n' susan ktf

Guest tosspot

Guest tosspot

Guests

if we come, can you put real guiness on instead of that murphy stuff for the morning fix, & can you please put Carling on for the afternoon fix instead of awful fosters, then for the night fix can you put Woods rum on instead of that dreadful white girlie rum

We've had the same chalet for some years now so i hope nothings changed too much cos we put some extra knifes,forks & stuff in that room tehe

ATB....Rob & Lynn

Guest mickeyfish58

Guest mickeyfish58

Guests

if we come, can you put real guiness on instead of that murphy stuff for the morning fix, & can you please put Carling on for the afternoon fix instead of awful fosters, then for the night fix can you put Woods rum on instead of that dreadful white girlie rum

We've had the same chalet for some years now so i hope nothings changed too much cos we put some extra knifes,forks & stuff in that room tehe

ATB....Rob & Lynn

no will have to disagree and say= stella stella stella for every fix :thumbsup:
Guest tosspot

Guest tosspot

Guests

no will have to disagree and say= stella stella stella for every fix :thumbsup:

Stella??? what the proper stuff or that girlie 2%er lol :wicked:

Guest mickeyfish58

Guest mickeyfish58

Guests

Stella??? what the proper stuff or that girlie 2%er lol :wicked:

the REAL stuf :thumbup: f = i dont have a drink problem = i drink get drunk fall over, no problem :shhh:
Guest soulboy7

Guest soulboy7

Guests

At last its back,Have booked already,Cannot wait for 2013

Soulman

Members

PLEASE: Ignore who is doing what. Having spoken to one of the people involved I can say that it will be back pretty much as it was. The room layout may have changed to what we knew... but for the better. The music policy will remain the same with no emphasis on any particular genre, in fact you may find that it has diversified to an extent but that is to be confirmed. What I will say is that the people now behind this event are 100% committed to it being a success, in fact even more succesful as far as the paying public goes, than it ever was. One of the problems previously was the number of acts / artists appearing which, although great for us as adoring fans, ate into the budget. The Vibrations appearing is great news, there may be others but, it will not be the showcase as in previous years. That doesn't mean it's going to be any less of a weekender. In fact I feel it will have improved substantially. So get booking and fill yer boots with what has undoubtedly become the best weekender in the Soul calendar.... and no, Im not on commission :(

Steve

Guest smoothwasson

Guest smoothwasson

Guests

did anyone see tortured soul in prestatyn a couple of years ago they were good ?

TOAD

Passed-on

so why dont the promoters come on here and give out ALL the info ! It will not be the same ! No mention on the modern side of things yet. Please no more second hand info ! ! Ps a bit of flooring and a bed pmsl thats yer chalet upgrade ?

TOAD

Passed-on

did anyone see tortured soul in prestatyn a couple of years ago they were good ?

yes got them live on a cd i did ! Did i put up on refo soul ?
Guest squaw

Guest squaw

Guests

Always loved prestatyn and will be going to this but please lets just take it for what it is now.Brittannia want as much profit as poss they are a buisness,they have brought in the right man for that.Richards particular brand of weekender and soul nights make lots of money as he is a proffesional promoter and very good at it to.Cant wait for march,but please take the rose tinted off.

Guest smoothwasson

Guest smoothwasson

Guests

PLEASE: Ignore who is doing what. Having spoken to one of the people involved I can say that it will be back pretty much as it was. The room layout may have changed to what we knew... but for the better. The music policy will remain the same with no emphasis on any particular genre, in fact you may find that it has diversified to an extent but that is to be confirmed. What I will say is that the people now behind this event are 100% committed to it being a success, in fact even more succesful as far as the paying public goes, than it ever was. One of the problems previously was the number of acts / artists appearing which, although great for us as adoring fans, ate into the budget. The Vibrations appearing is great news, there may be others but, it will not be the showcase as in previous years. That doesn't mean it's going to be any less of a weekender. In fact I feel it will have improved substantially. So get booking and fill yer boots with what has undoubtedly become the best weekender in the Soul calendar.... and no, Im not on commission :(

Steve

well said, does it matter as long as the music is loud, just enjoy ..
Guest colin brown

Guest colin brown

Guests

Thanks Toad.It is not the same(in the Modern Room).I cannot speak for Fish but I bet he can see now just what sort of Brother Promoters he had.This is purely a Cash Cow.If everybody wants to pay over the odds on their Booze(that is the way Brittannia will run it).

I enjoyed the time I helped run the Radio with Mark Randall,but now that is over.

Guest oldsoulgit

Guest oldsoulgit

Guests

Booked, bring it on! cheers Jim.

Stuart Bower

Members

Yes, we're back. And already booked!

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

" I enjoyed the time I helped run the Radio with Mark Randall,but now that is over"

Pontins will be running a non stop 24 hr Radio station throughout the weekend of March 8-10. Programming will include a variety of genres including Northern, Modern, Crossover, R&B, Sweet and Deep Soul with themed shows and podcasts from seasoned presenters and collectors.

More updates as the schedule unfolds.

Epic

Members

I asked earlier in this thread - who are the DJs in The Modern Room ?

Any answers ?

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

Details of Modern Room djs will be published shortly

Stevie

closed

I asked earlier in this thread - who is running the R&B room?

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

I asked earlier in this thread - who is running the R&B room?

Stevie we are still 8 months out and not everything has been sorted fully, however R&B has always been featured at the weekender and will be again in 2013 in the pub Sat night and in Redemption Sunday Evening as usual

Full details to be published in the near future

Guest phatness

Guest phatness

Guests

I'm really pleased to see that Prestatyn is back on as I missed it badly this year. They say be careful what you wish for, so all the moaning about shite rooms, crap beer etc came back to haunt me. It's always been the best musically with the balance between Northern and Modern and has taught ignorant Southerners (like me) a thing or two about good sixties dancers.

One thing though I do hope is that Searling keeps faith with a few of the Modern djs from there as they are far fresher than most jocks on the Modern scene and have been the pinnacle of Prestatyn's modern output over the years.....Ivor Jones, Mick Farrer and Steve Hobbs in particular...... and that Fish gets a break for all the time he put in over the years and that Searling doesn't just go with his rather tired lot of cronies from his Luxury Weekenders, which aren't a patch musically as this will ruin the vibe that Prestatyn always had. It was by far the most thorough and most poignant pure soul music weekender, so lets hope the Modern output doesn't get fooked up from day one

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

Have a little faith, I'm sure that the diversity that was on offer over the past years will still be there

Neil Self

Members

I asked earlier in this thread - who are the DJs in The Modern Room ?

Any answers ?

I have been booked to play modern representing my soulfusion event. As yet no details regarding whether it will be upfront or modern classics but John wanted to secure my services and i was happy to oblige. We are a good nine months away still and i am confident that over the next three months we will see a full program of events emerge. I for one am very happy to be associated with the weekender and wish all involved a very successful and enjoyable time. Neil

George M

Members

I heard about the reinstatement today - tremendous news. This year, me and my friends who are an odd rag-tag band of 30-something collectors without a proper scene of our own all sorely missed Prestatyn. I started going in 2004 then never missed one. It soon became a tradition for us to come together from all over Europe (and the world if you count Kym) in a crappy part of cold North Wales for a strange weekend in degrading accommodation to trade records, gossip, get annihilated beyond belief, stagger around the dancefloor & spill pints on the shitty carpet, bemoan the lack of a "funk room" (although I can't imagine too many people actually enjoying a whole night of funk), criticise the DJs, etc etc. I guess we took it for granted in the end, but I for one am happy it's back. It was fun getting a go on the decks last time thanks to Carl & Maria, and although their budget didn't stretch to a trophy that time I even somehow won their DJ Award which was awesome coming from a veteran like Mr W. I heard that a lot of people complained about 2011 but the low turnout and almost complete lawlessness due to lack of bouncers made it even stranger and more fun than normal in some weird way, even if that was just in my head. It's probably asking for way too much but I hope whatever changes are made manage to keep/expand what was good about it, even while making the site itself more humane... I still laugh every time I think about the Dutch lads on their first visit waking up bleary eyed on Friday morning, opening the curtains to see a depressing sweep of grey chalets and saying with disbelief "Jesus! This is like the camps where we put illegal immigrants in Holland!" In the spirit of free speech, I have a couple of most likely futile requests: more records (you should actually pay Vince, John Anderson etc to turn up, it's not the same without them), less NS mugs/tat, and please don't get rid of the Arthur/Sam/Dave R. section which was always one of the best bits musically for us lot (if anything, ramp it up with more good DJs of a similar ilk). The huge mutant seagulls will be watching. Always watching.

Little-stevie

Members

I have missed them " huge mutant seagulls " :D

Had some of the best times ever at this weekender, would i go back???? not sure ....

Lets see whats in the package and feedback from promoters...

It will be a huge task to get back the buzz of the 1st few years..

Time will tell...

Guest phatness

Guest phatness

Guests

All good things evolve I know, but going away from many of the Modern djs that have always been there and made the event what it was and to make it like the Luxury Weekenders which are an entirely different vibe all together would, I'm afraid be retrograde. Let's hope Richard Searling shows sense here.

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

Just a quick update folks. Pontins advising of tremendous saleswith some chalet types getting close to selling out.

On the live front, The Vibrations, in addition to performing their current monsters ' Cause you're mine

and Surprise Party for baby, are also looking forward to singing more of their legendary 60s songs

including End up crying, Pick me, and the 70s Rare Groover Shake it up"

Don't forget the booking line is 0844 576 5949 or 01785 881800

or www.pontins.com using the drop down box to the right input NSP1

A new fuller web site will replace our temporary page at www.prestatynsoulweekender.com in around 2 weeks.You will then be able to see all the updates, hear audio, see video of past events etc etc.

Roger Williams

Members

One thing though I do hope is that Searling keeps faith with a few of the Modern djs from there as they are far fresher than most jocks on the Modern scene and have been the pinnacle of Prestatyn's modern output over the years.....Ivor Jones, Mick Farrer and Steve Hobbs in particular......

Plus they're your best mates, but that would have nothing to do with it, would it. :rofl::lol:

Pete S

Members

Plus they're your best mates, but that would have nothing to do with it, would it. :rofl::lol:

That made me laugh.

Wiganer1

Members

Just a quick update folks. Pontins advising of tremendous saleswith some chalet types getting close to selling out.

On the live front, The Vibrations, in addition to performing their current monsters ' Cause you're mine

and Surprise Party for baby, are also looking forward to singing more of their legendary 60s songs

including End up crying, Pick me, and the 70s Rare Groover Shake it up"

Don't forget the booking line is 0844 576 5949 or 01785 881800

or www.pontins.com using the drop down box to the right input NSP1

A new fuller web site will replace our temporary page at www.prestatynsoulweekender.com in around 2 weeks.You will then be able to see all the updates, hear audio, see video of past events etc etc.

only heard end up crying late last year - what a fookin choon ,,cant wait til next year!!!!

Guest phatness

Guest phatness

Guests

made me chuckle too Rog.......hands up, caught but meant for the best reasons...... they've done every one of that weekender and I dont want to see them get overlooked particularly for djs that have elsewhere and weren't ever part of the Prestatyn picture and wouldn't be able to catch the feel. Plus there are other regulars on the old bill that deserve a shout, that also may get overlooked that worked hard for Poolie, Fish and Pontins....it's a shame that Fish seems to have been bumped on the organisation as he worked hard. It was a shame Brittania balls'd it up in the first place and wanted to cast off the golden egg thay had for a year. Just seems a little unfair although I do realise it's a harsh commercial world

Roger Williams

Members

made me chuckle too Rog.......hands up, caught but meant for the best reasons...... they've done every one of that weekender and I dont want to see them get overlooked particularly for djs that have elsewhere and weren't ever part of the Prestatyn picture and wouldn't be able to catch the feel

:)

I actually agree with you Conrad, it would be wrong for them (and the rest of the stalwarts from the previous events like Mark Randle, Fish etc.) to be ditched, Richard's not daft, I'm sure he'll take it all into consideration. And then draft in Andyterrygarybobbiggermikedeanjimjohn anyway!! :)

I'm not involved, and wouldn't want to be, I never liked the event and the place is a smelly dump, but I'm actually very very intrigued to see what the final line up will be myself.

Sharon Cooper

Members

Loved it every time....Missed it badly....looking forward to it....Lots!!!!

Guest phatness

Guest phatness

Guests

Cheers Rog..........that made me laugh cos Ive been told that Andy and Terry have already been asked.

The event was never to everyones liking cos the camp used to be nothing short of a pig sty that we used to bemoan every time.....but....having had it not there this year I have to say that I missed it badly and having never missed one also have to say that personally I had lots of laughs and actually missed the run down chic of the whole place.....but mostly there were some good people doing it, not just my mates, and I'd like to see the ones that grew it from the start (and grow it did) still have a place there.

Guest dave nowell

Guest dave nowell

Guests

All the talk about the chalets makes me laugh

Anyone who spends too much time in their chalet or looking at the decor isn't doing the weekend properly! :D

Roger Williams

Members

Cheers Rog..........that made me laugh cos Ive been told that Andy and Terry have already been asked.

The event was never to everyones liking cos the camp used to be nothing short of a pig sty that we used to bemoan every time.....but....having had it not there this year I have to say that I missed it badly and having never missed one also have to say that personally I had lots of laughs and actually missed the run down chic of the whole place.....but mostly there were some good people doing it, not just my mates, and I'd like to see the ones that grew it from the start (and grow it did) still have a place there.

Well either way you can guarantee there'll be a few noses out of joint when it's announced. We only ever used to travel down to see certain acts, such as Phil Perry, Incognito etc., seeing as it's under an hour away, but the weekend overall had little appeal to me - aside from the acts, the best part was watching various factions in that big foyer that stunk of hot dogs, it was like a special needs convention. :)

Pete S

Members

All the talk about the chalets makes me laugh

Anyone who spends too much time in their chalet or looking at the decor isn't doing the weekend properly! :D

Have to disagree, eventually you need sleep and with the temperature up there inevitably freezing all the time, those chalets were not fit for humans. I went to 3 weekenders, I would never go again because of the accomodation and the march weather, enough was enough. In fact last two times I left after the saturday. So horses for courses I suppose, I much preferred the Fleetwood event.

Jumpinjoan

Members

Well either way you can guarantee there'll be a few noses out of joint when it's announced. We only ever used to travel down to see certain acts, such as Phil Perry, Incognito etc., seeing as it's under an hour away, but the weekend overall had little appeal to me - aside from the acts, the best part was watching various factions in that big foyer that stunk of hot dogs, it was like a special needs convention. :)

I absolutely love live acts and will certainly miss the variety that used to be on offer every year. Not for everyone of course but it was for me.

I also love watching the wildlife in the foyer which will no doubt increase :lol:

Guest phatness

Guest phatness

Guests

Having got a latest update - it looks like it's going to end up ok with a lot of the perennials getting booked alongside some of the best from other weekenders - so it looks good. I agree with the comments about the chalets and not doing a weekender properly if you are in them - but it wasn't just the chalets that were condemnable and you could never get more than about half hour's sleep as the sun would pour through as soon as your head touched the pillow at 8am.

I hope the laughs there now continue.

Re that foyer and the wildlife, Im wondering if you mean me, as I slept in it once when I found myself unable to make it back to the chalet, which turned out to be no more than 20 yards walk past the pub.

Guest Bill Bingham

Guest Bill Bingham

Guests

great news all booked ready to go two spare tickets for sale pm me

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

" Regarding Modern Soul at next year's Prestatyn weekender , just to let everyone know that I ve spoken with Richard, who informed me that the Modern and Crossover DJ line ups for Prestatyn 2013 will be announced early next week.

Richard is currently putting the finishing touches in place and wishes to thank everyone for their interest and positive comments . Where appropriate, these have been listened to and acted upon.

In addition to two venues catering for both classic, new and recently released Modern and connoisseurs "crossover" Modern, there will be additional sets featured separately in the Queen Vic collectors showcase sessions.

Signature statements to describe what each room will be featuring will also be communicated in due course.

Richard did also mention that the DJ line-ups teamed up to represent all the faces of Modern Soul at Prestatyn 2013 past and future and are possibly the strongest he has ever assembled"

Remember, for the most up to date booking information and entertainment updates, you can visit the new Prestatyn website : www.prestatynsoulweekender.com"

Guest dave nowell

Guest dave nowell

Guests

I beg to disagree Pete. I once went when it wasn't quite freezing. It was just a weekend of horizontal rain which poured under the chalet doors. We had to put carboard boxes and towels in front of the door to keep the water out. Oh how we laughed.................. :)

Have to disagree, eventually you need sleep and with the temperature up there inevitably freezing all the time, those chalets were not fit for humans. I went to 3 weekenders, I would never go again because of the accomodation and the march weather, enough was enough. In fact last two times I left after the saturday. So horses for courses I suppose, I much preferred the Fleetwood event.

Guest colin brown

Guest colin brown

Guests

" I enjoyed the time I helped run the Radio with Mark Randall,but now that is over"

Pontins will be running a non stop 24 hr Radio station throughout the weekend of March 8-10. Programming will include a variety of genres including Northern, Modern, Crossover, R&B, Sweet and Deep Soul with themed shows and podcasts from seasoned presenters and collectors.

More updates as the schedule unfolds.

So is that a thanks for what we did then,Mr.Poole??

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

There are so many who deserve a massive thank you for their contributions that made Prestatyn such a success

and the radio was part of this, this includes all who contributed to Channel 6

It has moved on but I feel sure that the new format will provide a similar result

Guest squaw

Guest squaw

Guests

Dont be shy now john whens the TOWER being erected lol,come for your tea soon i will call at the cake shop for you.

Guest John Poole

Guest John Poole

Guests

Only coming if you get the Manchester Tarts from the little bakery lolx

Guest Soultown andy

Guest Soultown andy

Guests

Only coming if you get the Manchester Tarts from the little bakery lolx

Specialy for you john,see you soon h x.

Guest Soultown andy

Guest Soultown andy

Guests

Only coming if you get the Manchester Tarts from the little bakery lolx

Is there somethin i should know about with you 2 john lol.

Guest soulovereasy

Guest soulovereasy

Guests

only weekender i bother with luv it here,fantastic news and looking forward to seeing the vibrations ,well done to the folks whos who have secured this event behind the scenes ... ktf tommo.

Cunnie

Members

, I never liked the event and the place is a smelly dump,

Guessing by smelly dump you mean that rather strange aroma you got when you walked into the big Modern room but if you thought that was bad you should have gone in the radio room....

, and I'd like to see the ones that grew it from the start (and grow it did) still have a place there.

Yeah Conrad. Bring back Rob Wigley. Best person out there for introducing the live acts (no sign of nervousness) & without him there would not be a Soul event at Prestatyn.

And while I'm here will there be any 2 berth accommodation offered as don't particularly want to share with someone having to rough it on a bed settee.

Know Fish sorted something out a while back regarding offers for 2 berth chalets.

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