A local DJ is making a comeback to the decks after a twenty-year sabbatical.
Mike Williams, who is well-known for his involvement with the Bangor Ska’N’Soul Facebook Group, began his DJing journey in 1995 after attending a wedding. He recalls telling his wife, “I can do this!” Having collected records since the glam rock era in the 1970s, he decided to purchase some equipment and try his hand at DJing.
Over the years, Mike played at a variety of events, including birthdays, weddings, and children’s parties, until he landed his big break at the Castle Pub during Freshers’ Week. By 1998, he had become the resident DJ at Barrels/Joop in Bangor, spinning dance tracks every Saturday night until 2002. During that period, he also performed at numerous gigs across North Wales. After playing his last wedding at the Anglesey Arms, he chose to retire completely, selling all his DJing equipment.
During the Covid lockdown, Mike decided to buy some affordable equipment and give DJing another try. He started performing live on Facebook, which reignited his passion for the craft. Initially, although he didn’t expect anything significant to come from it.
In February 2022, he launched Bangor Ska’N’Soul and contributed to the Bangor Summer Festival, Bangor 1876, and “Bangor’s Got Soul” events held in the High Street this year. This involvement has helped him regain his confidence, and this Saturday, he will be performing live at the Castle Pub for an event called the “Early Doors Session.” Mike believes this is something Bangor needs, and he hopes the event will be a success.
Malcolm Williams, who hosts the Soul on Sunday show on Môn FM, will also be assisting with the event. Everyone is welcome to come and show their support; and this event could serve as a catalyst for the city and may inspire similar early doors sessions at other venues in the future. Good luck Mike!
Mike will be performing at the Castle Pub in Bangor on Saturday 16th November between 4-9 pm.
