The UV-Excess survey of the northern Galactic plane images a 10{deg}x185{deg} wide band, centred on the Galactic equator using the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope in four bands (U, g, r, HeI 5875) down to ~21-22mag (~20 in HeI 5875). The setup and data reduction procedures are described. Simulations of the colours of main-sequence stars, giant, supergiants, DA and DB white dwarfs and AM Canum Venaticorum stars are made, including the effects of reddening. A first look at the data of the survey (currently 30 per cent complete) is given.