HORDES of Northern Soul fans will be descending on Kidderminster later this month for the chance to see legendary DJ Dave Evison in action at the Glades.

It is the first time Dave, who spun the turntables at the now famous Wigan Casino, has DJ'd in Kidderminster and Northern Soul enthusiasts are expected to travel from far and wide on June 29.

"It's the first time we've done an event focusing on the music of Wigan Casino," said Terry Thomas, proprietor of Mr Tee Promotions in the Horsefair, Kidderminster.

"Dave, who is based in Stoke, is quite a celebrity and features strongly in the history of Northern Soul, now recognised as a genre in its own right with young fans, as well as people who grew up with it.

"We'll be playing a lot of the music that evokes the venue. In 1978, an international music magazine voted it the best disco in the world and that was when Studio 54 in New York was in its prime.

"At one time, Wigan Casino boasted 100,000 members and coaches carrying Northern Soul fans regularly used to travel up from Kidderminster and Wolverhampton."

As well as regular Wigan Casino DJ Dave, Kidderminster-based Steve Russell, who was also often found behind the decks at the venue, will be in action, along with Mr Tee, aka Mr Thomas, who spun vinyl at the rival Blackpool Mecca and who supplied many DJs with their records.

"There's a strong connection between the Northern Soul scene and Kidderminster. There were regular discos at the Nautical William, on the Bridgnorth Road, and Stone Manor.

"This won't just be for people old enough to remember bleary nights at Wigan Casino. The music is increasingly popular with young people. It will be a fantastic night and I'm really excited about it."

The Wigan Casino Revival can be caught at the Glades Leisure Centre, Bromsgrove Street, from 7pm until midnight. Details are available from Mr Tee's on 01562 515291.