A paid-for promotion
By Laurence Kapoor, Events Programmer at Stroud Brewery
Northern Soul: More Than Music
Northern Soul wasn’t just music – it was escape. Sweat on the dancefloor, heartbeats syncing with the 4×4 rhythm, and communities built around vinyl grooves and all-night joy. Emerging in Northern England and the Midlands in the early 1970s, Northern Soul grew out of the British mod scene and was based on a particular style of Black American soul music with a heavy beat and fast tempo – usually 100 bpm and above. But it wasn’t about the mainstream Motown hits. True Northern Soul enthusiasts prized rare grooves: overlooked tracks by lesser-known artists released in limited numbers on labels like VeeJay, Chess, Brunswick, Ric-Tic, Gordy, Golden World, Mirwood, Shout, and Okeh.
Northern Soul was as much about dance and fashion as it was music. Inspired by the underground rhythm and soul scene of the late 1960s – venues like Manchester’s Twisted Wheel, Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca, and Stoke-on-Trent’s Golden Torch – the dancing evolved into an athletic spectacle. Spins, flips, karate kicks, and backdrops were all part of the culture, influenced by stage performances of American soul acts such as Jackie Wilson and Little Anthony & the Imperials. The movement continues today, fuelled by DJs uncovering rare 1960s records and newer soul tracks, keeping the scene fresh and vibrant.
Stroud Brewery Keeps The Faith
At Stroud Brewery, we’ve made it our mission to keep this spirit alive. After seeing Tony Soulprano DJ a few times, I was so captivated by his encyclopedic knowledge and energy that I built an entire series of nights around him: Stroud Brewery Keeps The Faith. Together with his long-time accomplice Darryl White, Tony spins strictly vinyl Northern Soul, introducing both die-hard collectors and curious newcomers to rare 45s and classic floor-fillers.
The community has embraced these nights wholeheartedly. Two sold-out events and Round Three now sold out weeks in advance show just how alive this scene is in Stroud. And while Northern Soul remains a flagship part of our nights, it’s just one thread in the vibrant tapestry of Mod culture we celebrate at Stroud Brewery. From all-night soul sessions to brass-fuelled Ska, and even our regular Dub-on-Tap reggae and dub nights, our events programme channels the energy, style, and community spirit that have defined the mod movement for decades. Ska, with its Jamaican and Caribbean rhythms, horn sections, and punk-rock energy, adds a high-octane, danceable counterpoint, while Dub-on-Tap brings
deep grooves and heavy basslines that keep bodies moving and minds connected. I’m really proud to have these nights as part of our ever-growing programme, which offers something for everyone to enjoy, dance to, and connect over.
“Watching people dance, share a pint, and connect over music is the magic of what we do here.”
Our Northern Soul nights have also made waves beyond Stroud. In 2025, we hosted the Deptford Northern Soul Club as the Friday night headliner at the Malty Story Festival, and in 2023, the Bristol Northern Soul Club came to Stroud – proof that the Brewery is now a key hub in the national Northern Soul scene.
And while Northern Soul, Ska, and Dub-on-Tap keep our nights alive with rhythm and energy, we know how fragile grassroots music spaces have become. Did you know that 16% of grassroots venues closed down in 2024? That makes places like Stroud Brewery more important than ever – a hub where music, dance, and community can thrive. Here, we’re always looking for ways to make the experience accessible, keeping things affordable while rewarding our loyal guests. That means a free pint of Stroud Brewery beer with every pre-bought ticket over £10, and for gigs under £10, 10% off all taproom sales two hours before and throughout the show. It’s all part of making sure everyone can join in, dance, connect, and feel at home here.
Northern Pole Soul: A Christmas Special
Northern Pole Soul – our festive spin on Northern Soul – is happening on December 27th. Deck the halls with vinyl grooves, let your dancing shoes sleigh the night, and immerse yourself in rare soul, classic floor-fillers, and that infectious Northern Soul energy. Tony Soulprano & Friends will be spinning all-original vinyl, keeping everyone – merry newbies and lifelong fans alike – moving. Expect a night filled with fast-paced soul tracks, rare 45s, and the unbeatable warmth of a community dancing together.
Nights like this aren’t just about the music – they’re about community. Whether you’re sipping a pint of Budding, our classic organic pale ale, or the juicy, citrus-hit of Hop Drop, every beer we pour has its own rhythm. And then there’s Dark Skies – brewed in the depths of winter and aged in oak whisky barrels, it’s rich, warming, and a little mysterious, with hints of molasses, dark fruit, and a mellow whisky glow. Perfect for those long nights when the music never stops and the lights glow low.
Pair your pint with our famous Brewery Burger or one of our wood-fired pizzas – both crafted to match the energy and flavour of the night. The bar hums, the kitchen’s buzzing, and the dancefloor’s alive – it’s Stroud at its best: food, beer, and good people moving together in time.
Ska, Brass & Energy: Tootinskamoon LIVE!
For those craving brass-fuelled energy, Tootinskamoon LIVE! hits the stage on Friday 14th November. Hailing from West Wales, this 6-piece ska-punk powerhouse delivers bouncing basslines, blaring horns, and infectious grooves. Fronted by Steve “Sparx” on guitar and Mr “Dangerous Bass” Evans on upright bass, the band – joined by keys, drums, and a riotous horn section – has shared stages with legends like Nik Turner and Prince Buster.
Tony Soulprano will be spinning strictly vinyl 45s of original ska tunes, some of which he’s never had the chance to play out before – a real treat for fans. Advance ticket holders even get a free pint, while everyone else can enjoy 10% off taproom sales for gigs under £10. The combination of live brass and Tony’s rare vinyl selections guarantees a night where dancing shoes are mandatory and good vibes are unavoidable.
More Than Music
At Stroud Brewery, Mod culture isn’t just a memory – it’s alive, loud, and thriving. From Northern Soul to Ska and Dub-on-Tap, our diverse programme of events, shared meals, and inclusive, welcoming community spirit ensure there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re here for a night out, a festival-style weekend, or just a quiet pint with friends, Stroud Brewery is a place where people connect over music, movement, and good vibes. So grab a pint – maybe Dark Skies to warm you through, or a refreshing Hop Drop for balance – tuck into a Brewery Burger or one of our wood-fired pizzas, hit the floor, and celebrate the timeless energy that keeps these cultures alive – happiness for all, one beat at a time.
