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When it comes to music venues in Leeds, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The city boasts a strong musical heritage – producing diverse artists such as Alt-J, Gang of Four, Kaiser Chiefs, The Sisters of Mercy, Scritti Politti, Soft Cell and The Wedding Present – and Leeds has a wealth of gig venues to match. From suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces and its recently built arena, the city has plenty of exciting spaces to offer its young, outgoing population.
The city boasts a strong musical heritage and a wealth of gig venues to match
The venues below are among the best in the north, rivalling its near neighbour Sheffield, and faring well when set alongside further afield cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. Some you’ll have heard of, such as the nationally renowned Brudenell Social Club but we heartily recommend checking out the listings at the multi-storey Belgrave Music Hall to see some of the most delightful architecture in Leeds, as well as The Wardrobe in Leeds’ Arts Quarter.
Of course, there are plenty more than just these, including smaller spaces such as Headrow House, where you can catch plenty of excellent up and coming acts, and the superb DIY co-operative Wharf Chambers. If you’re looking for the next big thing, or just an enjoyable night out soundtracked by some of the finest acts in the UK and beyond, you’re guaranteed to have a great night out in this wonderful city.
The city has plenty of exciting spaces to offer its young, outgoing population
As for specific music venues in Leeds themselves, here are a few of our all-time favourites. There are no doubt many more in Leeds, but these are the most reliably excellent destinations for quality music.
Here are our picks
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1. Brudenell Social Club
Nicole Paciello Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Road, Leeds, LS6 1NY - Visit now
Perhaps Leeds’ most beloved music venue, the Brudenell is a lively and fun-loving place that often hosts two shows simultaneously. The members-owned and run club often punches above its weight when it comes to booking household names, as well as interesting up-and-coming artists.
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2. Belgrave Music Hall
Creative Tourist Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP - Visit now
This music hall and canteen recently opened in the former site of Leeds Children’s Palace – a three-storey recreation hall and nursery school. As well as multiple bars, kitchens and a roof terrace, its 300-capacity event space plays hosts to the likes of Dinosaur Jr, Broken Social Scene and A Certain Ratio – plus plenty of rising stars.
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3. The Wardrobe
The Wardrobe The Wardrobe, St. Peter’s Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS9 8AH - Visit now
Located in the city centre’s eastern Art Quarter, The Wardrobe features a bar and kitchen on its ground floor plus a cosy dedicated event space in the basement. Dance, jazz and world music regularly feature on The Wardrobe’s gig calendar, while the venue hosts popular club nights and comedy too.
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4. Wharf Chambers
Wharf Chambers Wharf Chambers, 23-25 Wharf Street, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS2 7EQ - Visit now
This workers’ co-operative encouraging potential event organisers to become members (at the cost of £1) in order to book its event space. This DIY approach means the venue’s calendar benefits from an exciting and diverse programme – with alternative acts including The Ex, DUDS, Damo Suzuki and Omni among recent bookings.
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5. Headrow House
Headrow House Headrow House, Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU - Visit now
This former textile mill in one of Leeds’ historic yards is a labyrinthine four-story venue that boasts three bars, a restaurant, three outdoor spaces and a 150-capacity event space. Given it’s relatively small size, it’s the ideal place to catch a new artist on the up.
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6. Howard Assembly Rooms
Howard Assembly Rooms, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, Yorkshire, S1 6NU - Visit now
This Victorian performance space has recently been restored to its former grandeur. Programmed by Opera North, it hosts non-opera concerts too – with Joan As Police Woman, The Handsome Family, Simone Felice and Bill Ryder-Jones all in the calendar for 2018.
More places to go
Leeds Visitor Guides
Music Venues in Leeds
Boasting a strong musical heritage, Leeds has a wealth of music venues to match: from suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces and its recently built arena, the city has plenty of exciting spaces to offer its young, outgoing population.
Theatres in Leeds
From family-friendly fun to unique productions, there’s something for everyone in Leeds. Check out our guide to the best theatres in Leeds.
Art Galleries in Leeds
Leeds and its surrounding region is bursting with some of the best galleries and art centres in the North – and they’re beginning to reopen.
Literary places in Leeds
With Simon Armitage as the University’s first Professor of Poetry, no less, there’s plenty going on literature and spoken word wise in Leeds, including a number of regular nights, events run by literary magazines such as Strix and Zarf, and a thriving festival scene.
Museums in Leeds
The famous, man-eating Leeds Tiger, a 3,000 year-old-mummy that survived WWII, the gothic ruins of a 12th century Cistercian monastery, and ‘the best cinema in the world’ are just some of the treasures waiting to be discovered as you work your way through this hand-picked selection of museums in Leeds.
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Got a few quid and not afraid to spend it? Live the life you deserve at one of Leeds’s best luxury hotels – here’s our expert guide to the best.
