Champion Up North will be celebrating the second birthday of The Old Red Bus Station this February.
Over the past two years, the 5-year pop-up-project has gone from an empty industrial shell to the cities central hub for underground music and arts, and has more recently become home to Cantina, the go-to place for proper vegan grub in Leeds.
Champion Up North will be celebrating the second birthday of The Old Red Bus Station this February.
Over the past two years, the 5-year pop-up-project has gone from an empty industrial shell to the cities central hub for underground music and arts, and has more recently become home to Cantina, the go-to place for proper vegan grub in Leeds.
Since The Bus Station’s inception in 2015, the space has played host to some of the biggest names in electronic music, and has provided a dedicated platform for emerging artists in the area. Past guests include the likes of Jungle stalwart Randall, New York house export Evan Baggs, and Leeds own essential techno-export VIERS, alongside other standout artists from influential labels and collectives such as Metalheadz, Drumcode Records and Jungle Syndicate.
Although quickly approaching the half-life of the Bus Station, Champion Up North show no sign of slowing down, as they introduce a whole new tribe of residencies at the venue. The aim is to stay true to Champion’s underground roots, by curating free and inclusive events featuring sounds hand-picked from the city’s most prolific musical movers and shakers.
Alongside championing the very best in underground electronic music, the space has provided a community for local artists to showcase their work. A quick peak at the walls inside the renovated bus station will reveal local artistic talent in regular rotation - keeping the space fresh, alive and ever-changing with emerging personalities. The downstairs bar has regularly been the meeting place of industrious creative minds, coming together to share ideas and indulge their innovative itch.
In true Champion Up North style The Old Red Bus Station will celebrating their 2nd birthday the only way they know how; with evening, packed front to back with outstanding DJs, live music and immersive art experiences.
Upstairs Room 1 will be receiving the full License To Jungle - Drum ‘n’ Bass/Jungle takeover with shake-up sets from:
OM UNIT (Cosmic Bridge/Metalheadz/Exit)
Otik (Push & Run // DEXT)
Nausika (Bare Bones)
Diverge (Metalheadz)
Meanwhile, the downstairs dancefloor will feature an eclectic mix of audible goodness from the likes of:
RÜF DUG (3 hour set) (Rüf Kutz)
Jonny Sleight (Butter Side Up)
Elliott Finch
Josh Bayat
Room 2 will provide an immersive experience, with new works from two-of-a-kind artists, Emma Hardaker and Bobbi Rae. Usually leading creative workshops and producing large-scale, contemporary artworks, Leeds’ own Modes of Expression will be in-house to celebrate; creating a wildly vibrant, interactive art installation to mark the occasion. Expect confetti and balloons, plus some extra special guests who will be sure to make heads turn...
Visitors to Cantina are encouraged to swap their dinner dress for dancing shoes; as More Than Soul and Live In The Hive work their magic, bringing the eating spot to life with live music throughout the night.
Tickets available from TicketArena: £5/£10/£12 MOTD