Leeds music news: No phones, more rooms and more ravers… welcome to the new Mint venue
A new venue in Leeds is set to open its doors in 2026 with a new sound system, a new no-phone policy, multiple rooms and more ravers.
The founders of the legendary Leeds nightclub Mint Warehouse – and Mint Festival – have decided to level up from a 700-capacity club to over 2000, creating a second venue for all audiences.
With over two decades of music and huge artists, the team has had an incredible run, from an intimate DJ-based venue to a huge outdoor festival - now Mint takes their next step.
Mint has forever been known for their electronic line-ups, but this time they’re extended to more, adding to their already upstanding legacy.
The venue will consist of not only their DJ association but also live performances, private hires, and brand-led events.
A versatile space for all audiences and experiences, writes Music News Blitz’s Olivia Carolan.
The immersive experience
Owner Shane Graham said: “From Mint Club through to Mint Festival, we’ve spent nearly two decades building something special in Leeds, and this is a natural progression of that journey.
“It allows us to take everything we’ve produced over the years and deliver it at a much bigger club setting,” he told Visit Leeds.
With the focus of adding a more immersive experience for music lovers, the venue is set to install a new sound system, Funktion-One Vero.
It will power through the main rooms with intention of a higher production.
The system has been used at huge festivals such as Glastonbury at The Glade Stage – an iconic space for electronic music – and has delivered an incredible experience.
The manager of the Glade Stage said on Installation: “From my perspective, this was the best ever. I overheard artists, crew and, most importantly, members of the crowd all saying "The Glade Stage had the best sound on site.”
It’s no longer about nightlife culture but experience; the people of Leeds yearn for more, and that’s exactly what Mint is providing.
The new movement: the no-phone policy
Here comes the seemingly controversial part: the no-phones policy.
Mint Warehouse, during summer 2025, decided to create a strict no-phone policy at all their events, and they’re following that to Mint Xl.
It might not be for everyone, with debate surfacing online that if you have paid for an event you should be allowed to capture your memories.
However the purpose is to ensure that all event-goers are living in the moment and looking at their favourite artists with their own eyes rather than through a device.
If you’ve ever been to a no-phones event, there simply is a difference; there's more energy, more community and people are fully present on the dancefloor - it creates a better atmosphere for everyone.
With social media taking over today’s generation, the no phone policy has become a huge concept within the raving community.
The movement has become so popular, a new club in Ibiza is opening this summer following the fully present, no phone policy, aiming to stand out from the usual island scene.
The rise of DJs
The DJ scene is emerging and electronic music is becoming bigger than ever.
DJ-focused festivals such as Boomtown and Forbidden Forest are becoming more and more popular and these very same headliners have been announced at Mint Warehouse for the past decade.
Amelie Lens, Shy Fx and Kettama have been huge headlines for Mint warehouse, conveying the variety of music involved, from techno to DnB.
DJs now drive ticket sales, and Mint is taking that on. DJs are on the rise and are ascending over the traditional live band, reshaping nightlife culture.
However, as electronic music takes centre stage from Coachella to Leeds, questions raise whether people are missing out on seeing their favourite artists.
The Mint team has taken note of this, and the new opening of Mint Xl, will cater to both worlds, creating a much-needed balance between high-energy DJ sets and live bands.
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Leeds nightlife
Leeds has forever been a significant part of nightlife culture and music, with students making a huge impact.
Mint has decided to add to this excitement with a brand new space, adding to Leeds’ strong reputation of immersive venues.
The city has had a strong cultural impact on underground and electronic music, with venues such as Beaverworks, The Warehouse and Mint Warehouse, shaping its legacy for DJ culture.
Leeds is making constant changes, following trends and ensuring events make the best experience possible.
With the new opening of Mint Xl, it's clear that Leeds nightlife is evolving even more with experience-driven venues.
With Mint Xl’s new sound system, multi-room and extended sets, the after-dark scene has curated an enhanced experience and clubbing culture is simply changing.
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