FOOTDISTRICT celebrates 40 years of New Balance in UK

It was 1982 when New Balance decided that it was a good time to return to the origins of its founder, William J. Rilley, and open a factory in Cumbria, in a place called Flimby, two hours from Manchester, as we told you before.

A unique celebration

Thanks to the exclusive invitation of New Balance, a couple of Footdistrict members were able to participate in a unique weekend in one of the most incredible areas of the entire island of Great Britain, practically in line with Belfast and, on clear days, overlooking the Isle of Man.

For a few days, we were able to enjoy a route through the unique places of Cumbria, conversations with other retailers while visiting the factory from which some of the most iconic models of the firm leave. A few unique nights we spent staying in tipi- style shops next to the factory itself.

Choirs, mods and DJs

Of course, the music could not be missing, first with the presence of the Flimby Male Voice Choir, the local chorus of male voices that has been the melodic voice of the area for more than a century.

Along with them, we were also able to enjoy a set of one of the UK’s greatest Northern Soul selectors and experts: Roy Bell. Bell is one of the most recognizable faces of the New Balance factory in Flimby. Retired after 38 years of work, Roy himself named one of the factory’s 30th anniversary M576 back in 2012.

Of course, New Balance being one of the most recognizable brands in club culture, there could be representatives of the Northern Club scene such as Luke Una, DJ Paulette, Gina Breez and DJ Tarzsa, who put the finishing touch on a unique weekend.

Discover the product selection New Balance Made in UK on our website and in stores in Madrid and Barcelona.