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
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Georgina Pellant -
15th July 2021 
