PRESSURE from music fans has forced the return of regular soul nights to Keighley.

Lifelong soul enthusiast David Shackleton and a group of like-minded friends have in recent years run several soul nights at the Central Hall and Keighley Civic Centre.

The monthly night came to an end last December at the Civic Centre in North Street and the organisers were unable to find a suitable alternative venue.

Mr Shackleton said he then faced peer pressure from more than 50 local people who felt they were limited in the amount of entertainment in Keighley for their age group.

As a result, the new Out On The Floor Night will be unveiled at the New Variety Club, Russell Street, on July 24.

Mr Shackleton said DJs would be playing a stomping selection of Northern soul, mod and Motown music between 7.30pm and 12.30am.

He said: “The theme is soul music across the board from mid-60s Tamla Motown to the disco soul of the 70s and 80s.

“We have live DJs playing traditional vinyl, all the well-known classics that we grew up with to the 70s disco sounds.”

Mr Shackleton said the New Variety Club – a long-time venue for local and visiting bands – was currently undergoing a major refurbishment.

He added: “It will have a better layout and a larger wooden dance floor with a small stage, to accommodate more dancers than before.

“There is a well-stocked bar selling traditional ales and lagers, and it’s five minutes from the town centre with taxis right across the road.

“We hope to see all our previous soul regulars and some new faces.”

E-mail soulshack@blueyonder.co.uk or call 01535 680109 or 210507 for further information.

The New Variety Club for several years played host to an annual concert by Mike Peters, from Welsh legends The Alarm, as part of his solo acoustic tour.