Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • September 12th, 2025
|Something pretty special is happening in Sheffield. Imagine a style of music and dance from your parents’ or even grandparents’ time suddenly becoming cool again, all thanks to a social media star. That’s exactly what’s going on with Northern Soul, and a local talent is right at the front of it. On Saturday 27th September, TikTok sensation and amazing dancer, Amy Hodkin, is stepping up to the DJ decks at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre (#ad). She's not just playing a few tunes; she’s part of an epic night that sees a true legend of soul music, Sidney Barnes, performing his very last UK gig. It’s a night where old-school cool meets the new generation, all powered by some of the best soul music ever recorded.
The TikTok star spinning the decks
If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and seen someone performing incredible, high-energy dance moves to upbeat soul tracks, you might have already met Amy Hodkin. With over 57,000 followers and nearly a million likes, this renowned local DJ and dancer has become a driving force in the Northern Soul revival. She's not just playing records; she's living the culture, sharing her passion for the unique dance moves and infectious energy of the scene with a whole new online audience. Her videos have brought the fast-paced, soulful sound of Northern Soul out of specialist clubs and straight onto people's phones, making it accessible and exciting for a younger crowd.
This event in Sheffield sees Amy Hodkin supporting The Signatures, a top-tier live music experience in the Northern Soul world. Having a talented young DJ like Amy on the bill is a massive deal. The manager and drummer of The Signatures, Gavin Creates-Webb, is clearly thrilled to have her. He said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome Amy back to support us in Sheffield. Her love for Northern Soul is there for all to see and it’s fantastic to see this genre continue to thrive in a younger generation!” It shows how the scene is growing, with a strong community spirit that welcomes everyone, young and old. It's this sense of community that is so central to the Northern Soul culture.
What’s all the fuss about Northern Soul anyway?
So, what is this Northern Soul thing? It’s way more than just a type of music; it’s a whole culture. Think of it like a massive club that’s been going for decades. It all started back in the late 60s and early 70s, spinning out of the sharp-dressed mod scene. Club-goers in the north of England, at legendary venues like the Wigan Casino, got hooked on a specific type of American soul music. But it wasn't the famous Motown hits everyone knew. Instead, DJs hunted down rare, forgotten tracks with a fast, stomping beat that was perfect for all-night dancing.
And the dancing is a huge part of it. The specific dance moves – spins, kicks, and shuffles – are super athletic and expressive. It's a key part of the experience. This underground scene created a powerful sense of community and belonging for people who felt a bit different from the mainstream. Now, thanks to people like Amy Hodkin, this unique culture is enjoying a massive revival. A whole new generation is discovering the incredible feeling of being on a packed dance floor, united by a love for rare American soul music and a shared passion for the scene. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of the culture and the powerful soul music at its core.
A legendary farewell for Sidney Barnes
This night at the Octagon Centre isn't just about the new revival; it's also a history-making event. The legendary Sidney Barnes, a true icon of soul music, will be performing on stage. And this isn't just any show – it is his last ever UK gig. That’s right, this is the final chance to see the man in action on British soil. It's the very last date of his “One Last Time” tour, making the evening in Sheffield an unmissable, one-off event.
Who is Sidney Barnes? He’s a giant of the genre. As a singer, writer, and producer, he has worked with some of the biggest names in American soul. His music is the bedrock of what Northern Soul is all about. For him to be performing his farewell show in Sheffield is a huge honour for the city and a massive treat for anyone lucky enough to get tickets. Joining him as a special guest is another big name, Steve Ellis from the band Love Affair’s, making the lineup even more incredible. It’s a chance to see authentic soul music performed live by the people who helped shape the sound.
What’s happening at the Octagon Centre?
So, what can people expect on Saturday 27th September? It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night of live music and pure Northern Soul energy. The whole event is built around The Signatures, a fantastic 10 piece band known for delivering the most authentic Northern Soul sound you can get. A full 10 piece band means a huge, powerful sound with blasting horns and a tight rhythm section that you just have to dance to.
The night offers a complete Northern Soul experience:
- A brilliant DJ set from dancer and social media star Amy Hodkin.
- A full set of classic Northern Soul live music from the incredible 10 piece band, The Signatures.
- A special guest appearance from Love Affair's lead singer, Steve Ellis.
- The historic, last ever UK gig from the soul music legend, Sidney Barnes.
This is a rare chance to see the past, present, and future of the Northern Soul culture all under one roof. From the new-generation energy of a TikTok DJ to the final performance of an American soul pioneer, it’s all happening in Sheffield. Tickets are on sale now, and for a night this special, they are likely to go fast. Anyone wanting to be part of this amazing evening can find tickets online or directly from the venue. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the community, the dance moves, and the incredible soul music that continues to captivate generations.






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