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All the Leeds “freedom parties” starting at 00:01 on July 19
Clubbing returns at one minute past midnight on July 19th and Leeds' promoters are raring to go. These are the unlocking parties you don't want to miss.
As "freedom day" approaches at break-neck speed, a whole host of clubs in Leeds are preparing to throw open their doors at one minute past midnight for clubbers who just can't wait any longer.
Sounds good? We thought so too.
If you can't wait any longer for a dance, check out these club nights below for some freedom party inspiration.
Leeds' BIG Re-Opening Party at The Backroom
This speakeasy bar, event space and nightclub on Call Lane is throwing open its doors at one minute past midnight for a huge party to celebrate the return of nightlife in Leeds. There'll be DJs across two floors and hundreds of other party-goers to rave alongside. Open until 6am, head down for a selection of the finest hip-hop, house, and r&b from DJs Dan Hills, Chris Powell and friends.
Clubbing returns at one minute past midnight on July 19th and Leeds' promoters are raring to go / Image: Mint Warehouse
00:01 Return Of The Dancefloor at SPACE
Down one of Leeds' most iconic underground venues, there's a packed lineup of 11 different DJs on the roster as SPACE returns to the fore. Headlined by DANNY T, the main room will see all things house, bass and hard-hitting anthems, whilst room 2 will focus on r&b, hip-hop and urban jams.
Think three rooms, world-class DJ’s and live performances from entertainers at Pryzm. The doors will open at bang on 00:01 for one of the biggest unlocking parties in the city.
The countdown for the return of clubbing is on as "freedom day" approaches / Image: The Warehouse Leeds
The Freedom Raves at The Warehouse
Hosted in partnership with Sleepin' Is Cheatin', The Warehouse will host a huge midnight rave to celebrate the return of nightlife to the city. Expect a solid six hours of tech-house vibes and belting four to the floor anthems. The Warehouse is also throwing a part two on Monday 19th.
System presents The Grand Reopening at Mint Warehouse
This huge night of techno and house has already been arranged a few times due to changes in the unlocking dates. Archie Hamilton, Sofi and Annie Errez. Tickets are sold out for this one but you can join the waiting list here.
Freedom Day All-Nighter at Mean-Eyed Cat Bar
Party until sunrise at this Merrion Street bar with free entry and banging cocktails going through right up to 6 am. No tickets needed., just turn up and get stuck in.
A clock-strikes-midnight party at Manahatta, Greek Street
New York-inspired bar Manahatta on Greek Street will be partying into the early hours of 3am on 19th July, with a clock-strikes-midnight party marking the end of all restrictions in England. There will be a new years eve style countdown at midnight with confetti and fifty glasses of free prosecco at the bar to toast to the start of a new clubbing era. Booking is encouraged but not necessary.
Feature image - The Warehouse Leeds.
News
Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Georgina Pellant -
15th July 2021 
