TIM HUGHES searches through the wardrobe for his Sta-Prest and Harrington ready for this weekend’s Mod extravaganza.

SOUL grooves, ska rhythms, gleaming scooters and green parkas. It can mean only one thing – the Mods are coming.

Lovers of everything from reggae to Weller will be buttoning up their Fred Perrys or, for the ladies, sharp 1960s dresses, and scootering down to the Regal on Saturday for a night billed simply as the Big Mess Around.

Pulling together all generations of Mods – from 60s soulboys to ’80s Jam fans and new converts, this is the real deal. Heck, it even takes place in an old dancehall – in this case The Regal on Oxford’s Cowley Road.

Organiser Simon Noble admits it is unashamedly nostalgic and promises to be great fun. “This is a one-off spectacular embracing mod culture and music,” he says.

“It’s not just about records,” he adds, “it’s about live music and celebrating the whole scene.

“It’s not surprising that the Mod scene is currently seeing a resurgence. The music is good for dancing to, and people dress up and make an effort.

“We want to show people what it’s about – and I can guarantee they’ll never have never danced so much in their life!”

Headlined by Brixton’s Top Cats – one of the country’s best ska bands – and Wigan r ’n’ b act Captive Hearts, the night also features DJ sets by East Oxford ska and reggae guru ‘Count’ Aidan Skylarkin, Jazz Jon and Bob Noble.

“It will be like going back in time,” he says. “And the venue is perfect. It’s exactly like the places used for northern soul nights back in the ’60s. Back then Mods took talcum powder with them to put on the floor, to help them slide around, and we’ll do the same thing on Saturday – just to get the dancing going.

“For people that aren’t familiar with the scene, it will be an education. You’ll hear a lot of music you’ve never heard before. It will be absolutely amazing.”

And he had a few tips for wannabe mods, looking to cut a dash on the dance floor. “It’s all about looking right,” he says. “For the guys, that means T-shirts buttoned up to the top, Fred Perrys, parka jackets, Farah trousers with a nice crease, or tailored suits. For the girls, it’s all about getting that ’60s look.”

Simon, who lives in Cowley, is putting on the night with his sister Emma.

“It’s a nice culture to be involved with and we want people to see and experience it,” she says. “Oxford has never seen anything like it before – and is going to love it.”

l In a double treat for mods, this weekend also sees the return of the Oxford Roadrunners Scooter Club charity weekender, boasting a delicious line-up of its own.

The event, organised by Lambretta and Vespa enthusiasts, is at The Railway Inn, Culham. Music, from 6pm on Saturday, comes from retro-rockers The Anydays, Dead Jerichos, Daisy E and the Unsteadies, and scooter scene favourites The ScreenBeats.

Proceeds go to Sobell House Hospice Charity.

* The Big Mess Around is at The Regal on Saturday. Doors 8pm, entry £10 – wegottickets.com