New electronic-focused venue has opened in Leeds, Under the Arches

A new, 800-capacity venue has opened in Leeds, Under the Arches. 

Located beneath railway arches in Lower Briggate, the venue officially opened last month with a launch party hosted by Airspace, featuring sets from MPH and A for Alpha.

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Under the Arches has hosted a handful of events over the past year, but it has now been fully equipped with a Funktion-One sound system and upgraded production.

Its arrival comes at a poignant time for the city's nightlife; Leeds has lost two of its most grassroots clubs, The Wire and The Old Red Bus Station, within the past year due to rising costs — this is part of a trend that has seen 45% fewer dancefloors across Yorkshire since 2020, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). 

Under The Arches was conceptualised by Leeds native DJ and producer Josh Demello, who began DJing in the '90s with residencies at local venues such as Mint Warehouse. 

Now drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Leeds music scene, he runs Ruckus24, which hosts parties with Slapfunk at festivals such as Beyond the Woods, showcasing DJs like Dr. Banana, Luuk Van Dijk, and Prospa.

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The momentum continues this weekend at Under The Arches, as Ruckus24 hosts house heavyweights Kolter and Jamback on Saturday, before a season packed with nights from Percolate and Slapfunk that sets firm foundations for their debut year.

Find out more details about Under The Arches here, and check out some photos of the new space below: 

Annabel Craddock is a freelance journalist, follow her on Instagram here.