Northern Soul revival to feature La Scala DJ Dave Langley at The Pavilions in Runcorn

Oct 6 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A BLAST from the past will be a special guest at a celebration of the halcyon days of Runcorn’s love affair with northern soul.

North West Soul Reunion, which takes place at The Pavilions on Sandy Lane, aims to reunite music lovers who attended some of the genre’s most iconic venues in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

DJs on the night include St Dean and Frank Doran and special guest Bernie O’Brien.

But the event will also feature Dave Langley, a DJ who lit up the decks at La Scala on High Street from 1959.

Organiser Harry Dennett said: “This night is to bring everyone together who went to these venues as well as anyone who knows Dave Langley, who was a well known DJ at the Scala.

“He worked there Fridays, Saturdays and Wednesdays from 7.30-11pm.”

He said: “Dave tells us there were some great groups that played at the Scala like The Beatles before they were big, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas.

“The club changed and became a cabaret in 1969 and Dave started the Carlton Club in Warrington, where he was one of the big names behind the decks.

“There were some big names on there like Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells and Ben E King.

“People just wanted to travel to these venues and they just didn’t care how and when they got home.

“How do I know? Because I was one of them!

“The Scala is derelict and due to be demolished the same as the Queen’s Hall in Widnes.

“And that is the trouble, there isn’t anywhere for people to have a good time and dance – this is why we have put this night on.”

Some of the profits from the night will go to Halton Haven Hospice.

Tickets priced £5 for the event on October 29 at 7.30pm can be booked on 01928 590 508 or 01928 563 825.