When first arriving in Leeds, the whispers and rumours about the greatness of the nightlife can be daunting, especially considering the wide range of choice. But Clubs editors Caris Dollard and James Dewar have made your life easier by giving you their top choices, along with an alternative for each day.
Monday 24th
Our choice: Quids In at Pryzm
Leeds’ quintessential ‘cheap and cheerful’ night out. Bond with new flat mates over £1 VKs and then stumble into McDonalds (right next door) to share a 20 chicken nugget sharebox. Could your first night be any better?
Alternative: Vice City David Bowie Night at Hifi
Start your week right and head to Hifi for a night dedicated to the leg
end that is David Bowie. The Hifi basement is the perfect place to dance and sing all night long to classics like ‘Heroes’ and ‘Starman’. And with tickets at £6, what more could you ask for?
Tuesday 25th
Our choice: Mixtape Project at Canal Mills
Mixtape Project is the place to be come Tuesday night. Normally at Hifi, this special freshers edition takes place in the soon-to-be closed Canal Mills warehouse. The night’s eclectic playlist will, as always, be stacked full of everything from old school bangers and huge singalongs to the new school tunes, and is guaranteed to keep your body grooving and your hips shaking all night long.
(Mixtape Project)
Alternative: Triple Cooked, Weird and Wonderful at Church Leeds
Who wouldn’t want to party all night in an old church? Triple Cooked offers a weird and wonderful world in this spectacular venue, with an explosion of music ranging from Disco to Grime. So, throw on your edgy clothes and some extra glitter…you could not get anymore “Leeds” with this night.
Wednesday 26th
Our choice: Flux at Beaver Works
Arguably the best event on the Leeds Freshers calendar, everyone loves a Flux no matter whether you’re a first or fourth year. Held at one of the city’s biggest venues, the night welcomes techno and house heavyweights, as well as local DJs and residents across the sprawling Beaver Works site. This is a night you shouldn’t miss; it is the perfect introduction to the best year of your life.
Alternative: Mischief at Warehouse Leeds
Mischief is the sole home of the Wednesday sports social, as well as everyone’s favourite night out. If on a sports team, the opening party will give you your first taste of the chaos and carnage that goes on, with everyone in high spirits as they dance along to all the classic tracks on offer.
Thursday 27th
Our choice: Donuts at The Faversham
Go nuts at the Faversham as they kick off their weekly night, Donuts – yes, if you get there early enough you can get free donuts! A crowd favourite for Leeds students, it is a big playground where you can groove all night to the likes of Sean Paul and Aretha Franklin whilst confetti gets fired into crowds, and then take a break on the bouncy castle. Be your most silly and carefree self at this night. It’s only a short walk from Uni so you have no excuse.
(Donuts)
Alternative: ABBA Disco Wonderland at Warehouse Leeds
Take A Chance On Me and believe me when I say this is an unmissable night. You can be a Dancing Queen and a winner that Takes It All, yelling Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! at the top of your lungs. Mamma Mia! You would be a fool to not go to this incredible night.
Friday 28th
Our choice: Fruity 17th Birthday Party at the Union
Make sure you make it through the week to get to Fruity’s 17th Birthday, held at our very own Student Union. Kick start the Freshers weekend by raising your hands to all the chart toppers from across the years in the main room. Alternatively, curve your way (if you know what that means) to all the best RnB in the Pyramid room and then finish off in the Function room screaming the lyrics to Mr. Brightside that we all know you’ve rehearsed. Cheap jagerbombs and tequila shots; thank god it’s Friday!
Alternative: High Rise, A New Beginning at Beaver Works
The highly anticipated High Rise is back and better than ever. If you love reggae, jungle, dubstep or grime, you’re in the perfect place. High Rise: A New Beginning boasts an ever-impressive line-up but it doesn’t stop there. Expect immersive production, notably the infamous bonfire, and, if you get a bit peckish, ready your stomach for an amazing array of Caribbean street food.
Saturday 29th
Our choice: Small Talk at Wire
A brand new event which is expected to take Leeds nightlife by storm, Small Talk kicks off with Canadian DJs D. Tiffany and Peach in the cosy but loveable Wire basement. Providing both headlining acts and lesser known DJs, it is the spot to discover your new favourite sound.
Alternative: Club Tropicana at the Union’s Terrace
The opening of Club Tropicana, at the Union Terrace from 4pm-10pm, before it’s full club launch, will help you get over your summer blues. Steal yourself a pink flamingo, some Hawaiian leis and get yourself to the dancefloor for some 80s anthems; a new staple to Leeds’ club scene.
(Main image: Flux)