Iconic Leeds venue DISTRIKT announces huge free two-day party for 17th birthday
The legendary Duncan Street basement bar is celebrating 17 years at the heart of the city’s underground dance scene with a multi-day showcase and a shift towards earlier partying
Iconic Leeds basement venue DISTRIKT is celebrating its 17th birthday with a massive, free two-day party showcase this month - while unveiling a new push towards earlier daytime partying.
Established in 2009 on Duncan Street, the subterranean bar and courtyard has spent nearly two decades as a cornerstone of the city’s electronic music scene, famous for its intimate underground dancefloor and commitment to free entry.
To mark 17 years in the city, DISTRIKT is hosting a special two-part showcase on October 16, and October 17, bringing together international guest DJs, firm favourites, and residents.
The celebrations also mark a slight shift in direction for the venue, as organisers aim to encourage partygoers to hit the dancefloor earlier in the day.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with sets from Stef Davidse and Daisy, alongside an exclusive debut B2B set from N4tee and RTK Tarantino.
DISTRIKT resident Mason Talbot will then take over the outdoor courtyard for the evening.
Saturday's line-up features an exclusive B2B set from Huerta and Melody, alongside Wilba making his Leeds debut, plus sets from scene favourites Reflex Blue and Gene on Earth.
Organisers have updated Saturday's opening times to kick off from 2pm, with headliners taking to the decks from 7pm to invite visitors to make a full day of the celebrations.
Across both days, the venue will also feature a line-up of rising local talent and long-standing residents who have helped shape DISTRIKT's sound over the last 17 years.
In a statement announcing the birthday line-up, the DISTRIKT team said: "From our inception in 2009 to where we stand today, Distrikt has always been about the music, the people and the community that surrounds it.
"This two-part showcase is a celebration of everything we’ve built together over the last 17 years, and one you won’t want to miss. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Whether you’ve been with us since 2009 or only recently discovered our dancefloor, this celebration is as much yours as it is ours."
As with all events at DISTRIKT, entry across both days is completely free.