Luxury Soul Weekender

Experience the ultimate soul music weekend at the Luxury Soul Weekender from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th January 2026. Set on Blackpool’s iconic North Promenade, this annual festival offers a stylish and soulful escape for music lovers. Now celebrating its 30th year, the event takes place at the Grand Hotel Blackpool (the former Hilton), where elegant ballrooms and cozy lounges set a luxurious backdrop. Over three days, enjoy sophisticated soul sounds chosen by top DJs and delivered by live bands. From classic Motown and Northern Soul to disco, jazz-funk and modern R&B, the playlist spans generations. In the Grand Hotel’s ballroom you’ll dance beneath glittering chandeliers, or unwind in lounges between sets. With its combination of comfortable hotel amenities and energetic nightlife, Luxury Soul Weekender delivers an experience far beyond a typical gig or night out.

Every evening is packed with musical talent. The organizers handpick both veteran soul artists and rising stars, so you might find legendary vocalists sharing the stage with fresh bands, or DJs spinning classic soul favorites alongside modern grooves. The festival often includes special themed nights and lively dance contests, making each session unique and fun. Even after the main sets, the party continues informally - guests often mingle at the bar, swapping stories and vinyl recommendations late into the night. This community vibe is a highlight: whether you come with old friends or arrive solo, you’re likely to leave with new ones. Each song brings everyone to the dance floor - people of all ages cheering, clapping and enjoying the music together.

When you need a break, you can relax in the hotel’s comfortable rooms and wake up each morning refreshed. There’s no camping or tents here - just a real bed and amenities. Many guests enjoy a hearty breakfast or a leisurely lunch at the venue’s restaurant before returning for more music. The festival is fully accessible and family-friendly, with ramps and lifts making the venue easy to navigate. If you step outside, Blackpool’s famous Tower, Pier and beachfront attractions are right on the doorstep. But for most people, the highlight remains simply dancing and celebrating the soul music together in this beautiful seaside setting.

If you love soul music, this weekend is an unmissable chance to celebrate with friends old and new. Luxury Soul Weekender truly feels like a big family reunion - warm, friendly and full of joy. It’s a chance to hear timeless hits and new grooves, to show off your dance moves or learn a few, and to celebrate with people who share your passion. The festival team handles all the details from sound and lighting to decor, so you can focus on having fun. Don’t miss this special anniversary edition of the event. Whether you’re a lifelong soul fan or a curious newcomer, Luxury Soul Weekender promises a weekend of music, dancing and lifelong memories in a relaxing coastal atmosphere.

For those flying in, the nearest major airports are Manchester (about 60 miles away) and Liverpool John Lennon (around 55 miles), both offering trains and coaches to the region. From Manchester Airport, take a train to Piccadilly then change at Preston for a service to Blackpool North. From Liverpool Airport, trains via Wigan North Western can connect you to Preston and onward to the coast. Long-distance buses (like National Express) also link Blackpool with major cities such as Manchester and London.

By train, Blackpool North station on the main line is a short taxi ride from the North Promenade, with frequent services from Preston, Manchester and Liverpool. Visitors from nearby St Helens can take a Merseyrail train to Wigan North Western and then connect at Preston for Blackpool. If you prefer to drive, Blackpool is served by the M55 motorway. From St Helens or Liverpool, head east on the M62/M57, then take the M61 north to Preston and join the M55 west. From Manchester or Birmingham, take the M6 north to junction 32 (Preston) and then the M55 west. The hotel has parking, and there are public car parks and street parking along the seafront.

Once in Blackpool, local transport is convenient. The iconic tram runs along the Promenade and has stops near the hotel, and frequent buses serve the area. Many locations along the seafront are easily walked to. For accommodation, the event’s host hotel often provides a festival package, but there are plenty of other seaside hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs nearby. Book early, as January events can sell out rooms quickly. If hotels in Blackpool fill up, nearby towns like Preston or Southport have additional options (with a train or car ride back). Hotel staff and local tourism information are helpful if you need more travel or parking advice when you arrive.