After Major Overhaul: Testbed Leeds To Relaunch In September

Testbed, the 2,500-capacity venue in Leeds, England, will relaunch this September, having received major upgrades across sound, lighting, and overall customer experience.

Testbed founders Laura Wellington and James Abbott-Donnelly remain front and centre, now with the backing to realize their original cultural vision for the venue: “an accessible platform where Leeds-based ideas, talent and organizations can grow, collaborate and reach bigger audiences,” according to a press release announcing the chances.

As Pollstar has previously reported, investment comes from AMAAD (A Man About A Dog), the promoters behind Junction 2 Festival, LWE events, and Ironworks. Their partnership with TESTBED provides “significant investment, expertise, and firm plans to bring world-class talent to the city.”

As such, Testbed joins influential multi-purpose venues in AMAAD’s portfolio, such as Quarters in Brighton and The Prospect Building in Bristol.

Changes include the venue expanding from 10,000 square feet to 23,000 square feet, including a brand-new 5,000 square feett mezzanine level with customizable seating and view of the dancefloor from a brand-new balcony. The new upstairs bar will continue Testbed’s commitment to support local brands and suppliers.

Downstairs, the custom-built stage allows for a 360-degree crowd and unrivaled atmosphere around the DJ booth when in club mode. A second room is underway to open in 2027, creating a multi-purpose space and chill-out area.

Testbed will be the only venue in Leeds with a customized L-Acoustics L2 system. The fully integrated Chauvet lighting system lighting includes multiple moving lights and strobes, together with a large LED ceiling installation and bespoke under-balcony display of LED strips and curves, complemented by a high-res 8-by-4-meter LED video wall.

Significant upgrades to ventilation and air circulation, as well as four new toilet blocks that double capacity complement the overall guest offering.

With a fully standing 1,500-capacity for live music, AMAAD will also expand its existing partnership with renowned live music programmer Ghostwriter – which has worked with national and local promoters to deliver the likes of Little Simz, Yungblud, and Geese to The Prospect Building; and Everything Everything, The Sherlocks, and The Callous Daoboys to Quarters.

Full lineups and opening details will be announced soon.

Subscribe to Pollstar HERE