Leeds institution Distrikt celebrates its 16th year this October with a two-night showcase of quality selectors, extended hours and the unmistakable energy that has kept the venue at the heart of the city’s underground scene.
Spread across Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October, both events will feature extended licences, allowing the music to roll long into the morning. True to form, the line-ups bring together local talent, trusted residents and artists who share Distrikt’s spirit for deep, groove-driven house music.
Friday’s session runs from 6pm until 4am, headed up by Locky and Wodda going back-to-back. George Lock has been steadily building a name across Europe, with his crisp, tech-infused sound earning regular play at Fabric and beyond. Joining him is Leeds-based DJ and Redefy founder Mason Talbot, whose connection to the city’s scene runs deep.
Completing the line-up is Wax Material, the DJ and record shop owner whose mobile vinyl operation has become a familiar sight at parties around the UK, spreading the love for wax culture wherever it goes.
Saturday extends the celebrations from 4pm through to 8am, opening both the courtyard and main room for an all-night affair. The headline slot sees Hamish & Toby team up with Truly Madly for a unique back-to-back session between three of the scene’s most respected record diggers.
Truly Madly has been refining his sound since the 90s, while Hamish and Toby continue to represent a generation devoted to vinyl, throwing parties and pushing new sounds through their label work and DJ sets. Toby, formerly of The Pickle Factory bookings team, brings a curatorial touch that promises something special for this collaboration.
Joining them is Ron Obvious, one of London’s most consistent underground producers, stepping away from his renowned live sets to share the contents of his record bag. Ukrainian-born DJ E.LINA completes the line-up, known for her emotive, groove-heavy selections and compelling presence behind the decks.
Now 16 years deep, Distrikt remains one of the most respected names in Leeds nightlife. In Q1 last year, the space welcomed Nicolas Lutz, Omar, Kyle Toole and Unai Trotti. Its free-entry ethos, tight-knit community and limited capacity have made it a rare experience for both artist and dancer.
The intimate space has welcomed just about everyone over the years. From Moodymann to Octave One, to Petre Inspirescu and Evan Baggs, the legacy of Distrikt lives on which feels particularly potent after the recent loss of many venues in Leeds. The latest to go is neighbouring warehouse space Freedom Mills, meaning Distrikt is one of the only venues left in the city for underground club music.
This birthday weekend is both a look back at the venue’s long-standing impact and a celebration of the energy that continues to define it.
More info on Distrikt Bar Leeds
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