Renowned house music label Defected is one of the longest running independents of its kind in the world, having paved the way for house artists in the UK for well over 20 years.
Now bringing the label back to Leeds for the first time in five years, Defected is bringing huge industry names like Gorgon City, Hannah Wants and Low Steppa and decent upon the brand new event space, Canvas Yard, for a day to remember.
Due to take place over the Coronation Bank Holiday Sunday on Sunday 7 May 2023, Defected promises 'a major event space with out-of-this-world production that will make for a true celebration of all things house'.
Image: Supplied
The idea is that from midday, those joining Canvas Yard, a new events space opening just moments from the city centre, will have ten hours of music and plenty of street food to keep the party going until the sun goes down.
The new opening is being known as an exciting, cultural collaboration between Moda Living and New Citizens and is due to open in spring, just a few weeks before the Defected takeover.
Canvas Yard will open in April 2023. / Image: Supplied
The exclusive takeover is the largest the label has ever thrown - so expect big things from this single stage set-up.
Lance from New Citizens, “We’re pleased to announce our second event for Spring 2023 at Canvas Yard as we welcome house music royalty Defected back to Leeds for their first show in the city in over 5 years. With a huge line up joining us on a special bank holiday weekend, we’re all set for another fantastic event to celebrate the opening of our new venue.”
Providing the sounds will be chart-topping, hit-making house stars Gorgon City, the always innovative Low Steppa, Defected Radio's longest running radio host and chunky house specialist Sam Divine, plus Radio 1’s rising superstar Arielle Free.
Defected X Canvas Yard is the labels' biggest takeover. / Image: Supplied
Leeds Festival have announced further names set to join the festival's lineup this summer.
Yep that's right, Bramham Park is set to welcome even more fabulous artists to Leeds Festival over August Bank Holiday weekend.
If we weren't already excited enough, now we really can't wait. Is it too early to start packing?
Just announced to be joining the lineup are the likes of Villanelle, December 10, Beth McCarthy, After, JD Cliffe, Untitled, Alex Spencer, unpeople, SINN6R, 54 Ultra, unpeople, Kibo and Camille Blackman.
Images: Supplied
Following the announcement of indie legends Blossoms’ special guest appearance, newly announced Leeds exclusive performances will come from Dylan John Thomas, The Clause, M60 and 4AM Kru.
Also announced is the return of Leeds Festival’s famed late-night home LS23 - which has become a fixture of the festival over the years.
Soundtracking late into the night and only found at Leeds Festival, this year’s lineup includes the likes of Lens, Soul Mass Transit System, ZERO, CROSSY, Osmosis Jones and more.
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave, Fontaines D.C. and more topping the bill.
For the first time ever, Kasabian will be performing a headline slot on the Thursday night amongst many more.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Leeds Festival 2026 is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
80s icons Duran Duran announce huge Leeds gig as part of UK tour
Clementine Hall
British pop-rock legends Duran Duran are heading out on tour and coming to Leeds.
The ‘Rio’ and ‘Girls on Film’ singers are still going strong nearly five decades on, after releasing their 16th studio album, Danse Macabre, back in October 2023.
Later this year, Duran Duran will be heading to first direct bank arena for a spectacular live show, bringing decades of chart-topping hits, legendary performances and unmistakable style to our city.
It's set to be a very special evening, as their night in Leeds will act as the closing night of the UK Tour.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran became one of the defining bands of the 1980s and helped shape the global New Romantic movement.
Across a career spanning more than four decades, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned multiple BRIT Awards, Grammy Awards and an enduring reputation as one of Britain’s most influential pop-rock acts.
Known for their truly groundbreaking music videos, electrifying live shows and timeless catalogue, it's safe to say that Duran Duran continue to captivate audiences across generations.
Fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring some of the band’s biggest hits including Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, Girls on Film, Ordinary World, The Reflex and Save A Prayer.
Duran Duran will perform at Leeds' first direct bank arena on Saturday 24 October and they will be joined by special guests Pigeon.
Duran Duran tickets at Leeds' first direct bank arena go on general sale this Friday 5 June 2026, and you can get yours here.
Sophie Smith -
20th January 2023 
