When Canal Mills released their list of autumn and winter events back in summer this year, the students of Leeds were struck by a wave of excitement over the sure-to-be insane nights that were to come. One night that particularly stood out was Halloween. If the incredible line-up of world class DJs wasn’t enough to sell you, then the idea of heading down to the huge,  dark warehouse that is Canal Mills on the spookiest night of the year surely would have been. Every year there is undoubtedly a massive debate about where to go on Halloween, but luckily enough this year it was a no-brainer.

As expected the Canal Mills team went all out. As I was beckoned in by staff dressed in creepy outfits to a warehouse with the all-round atmosphere of ominousness, immediately I got the sense that this was a night that truly channeled what Halloween is all about.

In Room 1 the night was kicked off by Ten Walls’ live show who set the dark tone for the night perfectly. Next up was Scuba who smashed it with techno that blew away the Leeds crowd.  Personal favourite Jackmaster headed up the bill, his set consisted of an eclectic mix of techno and house which was slightly heavier compared to his Tweakaholic work. Nonetheless when he played his mix of 80’s classic ‘Good Life’ the entire room exploded and for many a night was made.

The fact that Room 2 was significantly smaller meant that the atmosphere felt even darker. With 80’s inspired Bicep headlining and Levon Vincent playing beforehand, Canal Mills truly ensured that it was no easy decision deciding who to see when. Room 3 was even more intimate with a special set by Mike Jones.

They certainly did not falter in their promise for an incredible night. An eerie night of deep-house and a dark atmosphere was delivered, one that truly summed up what the 31st October in Leeds is meant to be like.

[Joey Colley]

Photography: dazeddigital.com