In the overcrowded promotional scene of Leeds there is one team which stands prominent over the general melee. Mint’s stranglehold on the club scene through Mint Club and Mint Warehouse have provided some of the greatest nights of my time at Uni, and I’m sure this is the same for many other students. Their Midas touch has been utilised in the festival scene since 2012, in a multi genre extravaganza which has grown annually since its conception, and seeks to be better than ever with this year’s Mint Festival.
After previous events held at Lotherton Hall, Lightwater Valley and Wetherby Racecourse, Mint Festival has switched the country for the city in their new home at The Tetley. Opened in 2013, The Tetley is an art gallery and events space which has previously hosted last years Garden Party, and will do so again in the next few weeks. It truly is a terrific venue which is set to compliment Mint Festival completely.
As always, Mint Festivals lineup is bursting at the seams. The main issue in attendance is the worry of set clashes, but of all possible problems this is a fantastic one to have. There are five stages, each one hosted by a promotional team.
‘Elrow’ stage looks set to be rammed the entire day, with international superstars Skream and Jamie Jones joined by Leeds favourite Patrick Topping, with even Eats Everything making an appearance. You would think that house heads would entrench themselves in front of this stage, yet with ‘Knee Deep in Leeds’ hosting acts such as Hot since 82 and Kerri Chandler, decisions will be made. Whatever the choice, kick drums will be spinning in the audience’s heads for days.
Elsewhere there are some notable coups on the lineup, Loco Dice set be one to catch on ‘System’ stage, whilst ‘Bitch’ stage features electro and progressive house by the bucketload, with the ever impressive Dannic an exciting prospect.
Previous Mint Festival’s have had a Jungle Jam stage, yet this has been forced out this year due to the resurgence of garage and grime. Whilst I am admittedly a junglist, to see veterans of the scene such as Ms Dynamite and Craig David himself share a stage with the hugely exciting Holy Goof is enough to satisfy anyone. The return of Leeds stalwarts Elijah and Skilliam alongside MC’s Chip and P Money are set to punch some aggression and variety in a largely house dominated lineup.
For an event in Fresher’s Week, Mint Festival is admittedly more expensive than its competitors. It is already on final release at £55. It is however a completely different experience and should be seen as such. For first years it may be a little steep to jump into alone, yet if you’re a second or third year, why not put that student loan to good use and snap up tickets as a group. It guarantees to be one of the greatest weekends you have in Leeds as a student.
Image: Mint Festival