It’s 3 pm in the afternoon and we arrive at Mint Warehouse in full-blown sunshine, ready for a sold-out terrace party.
The nightclub, one of Leeds’ most iconic clubbing venues, is throwing on of the city’s very first parties back - a boisterous tech house all-day-and-night terrace rave with sets from a host of local talents, some of whom are so happy to be back they were also down here playing the night before.
There are some big headliner sets coming later, but people have piled in early for the dance, they’re not waiting about any longer.
The DJs and promoters tell us that last night, at the 00:01 opening party that marked the official end of nightlife restrictions, the atmosphere was “electric” - and we can definitely feel that elation here today, albeit if a few may be a tad beleaguered from partying the whole night before.
“The crowd was just reacting to everything last night,” one tells us, with a smile tinged with just the faintest hint of surprise.
“It was pure magic in here,” he adds, perhaps in acknowledgment that before the pandemic and the shuttering of Leeds’ nightclubs the crowds weren’t always so easy to please.
Even though a lot of people we meet confide that they haven’t slept, they don’t seem to care - after all, who needs eight hours when you’ve got thumping tech-house and vodka lemonades (and then some) to power you through?
The crowd is pretty mixed, it’s mostly younger but there are a few old school ravers here too including a pair of 40-year-olds in bucket hats who were first in at bang on 3 pm, ready and waiting for the dance to return.
Inside, a mournful Mona Lisa is projected over the indoor room facing the bar, whilst out on the terrace huge weighted speaker stacks pump bass into a heaving dance floor, already nearing full an hour in with high-spirited revelers acting like they never left the party, to begin with.
We meet Jemma, a second-year Leeds Uni student that lives in Headingley, in the bathroom upstairs - a classic melting pot of conversation amongst strangers at any nightclub,
Asked how it finally feels to be out after so long, she tells us she and her group of mates “are absolutely buzzing to be here.”
“It just feels like we’ve been waiting so long, you know? I actually can’t believe it. But oh my god is it hot!”
It is hot, she’s not wrong. With the bass pounding through the crowd, girls have their fans at the ready as they bop and fist pump to the hefty four to the floor rhythms pulsating across the dance floor. Between the bronzed midriffs and mid-summer heatwave, it honestly feels like we could be in Ibiza.
At first, the crowd’s pretty spaced out but as people get into it that all dissipates - girls are pushed up against the front of the decks two-stepping from side to side, lads in their bucket hats and shades sip Red Stripes and smoke cigarettes behind them. At first glance, it’s like nothing ever changed.
That said, there’s a definite commitment all round to not stop dancing, to make the most of this - as if no one is really sure when it might all come to an end.
But for now. It’s only positive vibes: the club’s all fist pumps and cheers, and there’s a true feeling of elation, of coming together on the dance floor again, of moving side by side with strangers who love the music just as much as you.
It really is magic and we, for one, are mighty glad to see the rave return. Long may it last.
News
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Georgina Pellant -
19th July 2021 
