Since December 2014 ‘Halo’ sat on Woodhouse Lane as an abandoned myth, freshers’ older siblings telling tales of messy ‘Quids In’ nights at a converted church handily situated right next to Flames. This week, however, Halo will be reopened as the revamped and restyled ‘Church’, a venue that already looks to be cooler and more attractive than its sticky floored predecessor.

Church sets out to be the new home of Back to Basics, the brainchild of Dave Beer and one of the UK’s longest-running underground club nights. Rumours of video mapping systems to bring the walls and ceiling to psychedelic life and the new ‘Chapel,’ the after party venue, have helped create a buzz around the new opening. Back to Basics even marketed the event by sending a preacher to the streets of Leeds to teach the word of good music! The ‘Church’ brand is undeniably strong.

Following this Friday’s opening night of Circa Waves, Saturday will house ‘Back To Basics: The Resurrection’, which will see the likes of Crosstown Rebels boss Damian Lazarus and resident DJ’s Ralph Lawson, Dave Beer & James Holroyd take on the hallowed aisles of Leeds’ oldest standing church. The promise of dance and electronic musical vibes will guarantee to draw the Leeds mob to the set of Damian Lazarus, who will later this year play multiple times at the infamous Warehouse Project in Manchester.

Tickets are still available online, and the after party at the Chapel will run from 3am, so grab a ticket to guarantee entry to a night that is sure to only gain popularity and gusto. The likelihood of ‘Church’ becoming a venue to host the likes of Good Life seems high, and we could see it emerge as a rival for the Canal Mills venue set. So look to Church for your Saturday night, because you obviously want to say you went before it was cool.

Amelia Whyman

Watch an interview with the man himself Dave Beer on Made in Leeds TV right here. Tickets here.

(Image: facebook.com/churchleeds)