A MAN who runs a car business by day has won a top award for his other love.

Sax player Dave Clifton has won the North England Region top wedding band 2020 with his band the Soul Federation.

The announcement was made from the organisers of the annual Book Entertainment Awards last week.

When he is not making music, Dave is mending motors in his Latchford-based business Clifton Motors.

READ MORE > Inside one of Warrington's first lockdown weddings

He said: “It has been great building the band together playing classic soul over the past couple of years.

“This win has been the icing on the cake. A big thank you to everyone who voted for us.

“We cannot wait to get playing again.”

Warrington Guardian:

The awards are presented by BookEntertainment.co.uk, to recognise the best in the event entertainment industry across the UK.

Winners were decided by a combination of public vote and a judging panel of industry experts.

The band won from more than 1,000 entries and now go forward to the national finals.

Formed only three years ago, the ten-piece band have built up a following with their brand of classic soul songs.

They built their reputation with appearances in Liverpool and across the north west. This resulted in them being invited to play at weddings and business functions.

Client Ellen Kirk, in her Facebook review, said: “We booked The Soul Federation for our wedding after seeing them play live in Liverpool – what a band.

“ Our dance floor was packed from the moment they started all the way to the end of the night (with most people chanting for ‘one more tune’!).”

The band said: “We have now enjoyed two years of our musical journey and have appeared at top soul clubs as well as great wedding venues. We have also made radio and tv appearances.

“We look forward to the future, playing the soul music that we all love.”

Details of the national final arrangements are yet to be announced.

n For more on the band, visit soulfederation.co.uk/