With its revolving stage, the Mecca Ballroom opened in 1965 as the Locarno and through the following 30 or 40 years it reinvented itself to reflect the ever changing music scene. Remember The Highland Room? It was one of Northern Soul’s top venues in the whole of the North West. DJs included Tony Jebb, Stuart Freeman and during the week, Billy the Kid. Other DJ were Ian Levine and Colin Curtis. At the end of the 1970s it was renamed Tiffany’s and in the later years became Rhythm Dome Nightclub, home to Federation. It was a pivotal moment in the music scene as influential house and rave music took hold in the 90s. It was the end of an era, however, when it was demolished in 2009.
7. Mecca Memories
Plenty of other events were staged there including Miss United Kingdom final, 1968. Pictured are Lisa Robertshaw, Kathleen Winstanley and Marie Smith Photo: staff
8. Mecca Memories
Frank Curwen with his piece of Highland Room floor from the Mecca building. Pieces of the dancefloor were auctioned off Photo: Mike Foster
9. Mecca Memories
The glitterball from the world famous Northern Soul ballroom - the Highland Room - at Blackpool's Mecca was sold on E-Bay Photo: Submit
10. Mecca Memories
Sections from the Highland Room dance floor were sold off to the public at the Grundy Art Gallery. Northern Soul Fans were among the buyers Photo: submit
11. Mecca Memories
And Mecca was used for other purposes too. This was prime minister Edward Heath addressing young conservatives at their North West Area Young Conservatives Ball in 1972 Photo: Submit
12. Mecca Memories
Mike Fitzgerald, who was owner of the Rhythm Dome Club. This photo was taken in 1997 Photo: DAVE NELSON