MiNT XL: A New Era for Leeds’ Nightlife
On Friday, September 25, 2023, Leeds’ vibrant nightlife scene welcomed a brand-new contender: MiNT XL. The opening night unfolded brilliantly, captivating a sold-out crowd of 2,500 revelers who gathered at the iconic venue to celebrate a bold new addition to the city’s rave culture. The night featured an impressive lineup of renowned artists, including Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa, and Sonja Moonear, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling chapter in Leeds’ electronic music history.
A Fresh Identity
Transitioning from the former PRYZM Leeds nightclub, MiNT XL represents a significant rebranding effort. With a vision to cultivate a forward-thinking atmosphere, the team behind MiNT aims to create a space that resonates innovation and community spirit. Marketing manager Mikey McMahon emphasized this ambition during a recent interview, sharing their goal of transforming the venue into a cornerstone of rave culture, distinct from the city’s other nightlife offerings.
Venue Layout: A Raving Playground
Upon entering MiNT XL, attendees are immediately enveloped in an exhilarating ambience. The pulsating beats can be felt even before crossing the threshold, hinting at the night of unrestrained celebration ahead.
The venue’s main floor features two of its three rooms, along with an inviting open-air terrace. The ‘Clubroom’ greets newcomers first, flowing seamlessly into the ‘Ballroom’ on the left, which is poised to be a hotspot for headline acts. Ascending to the second floor reveals the ‘Cage’, a unique fourth space, complemented by an additional bar and a VIP area—a perfect spot for relaxing between dance sessions.
The Rooms at MiNT XL
1. The Ballroom
At the heart of MiNT XL lies the Ballroom, the largest room and a true spectacle of rave culture. Here, a striking array of lighting elements, including a grand ring structure and dynamic linear rigs, creates a visual feast for the senses. The centerpiece of this sonic sanctuary is the newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system, renowned for its bass depth and pristine clarity—qualities that every dance music aficionado eagerly anticipates.
Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
2. The Cage
Arguably the most captivating room of the venue, the Cage offers a refreshing escape from the norm. Its design is both chic and cozy, adorned with warm, orange lighting that counterbalances the energy from the nearby dance floors. The presence of vinyl DJs further enhances its unique identity, inviting attendees not only to dance but to appreciate the artistry behind live record mixing.
Credit: David Dumitru
3. Clubroom
Drawing inspiration from the beloved MiNT Warehouse, the Clubroom embodies the brand’s high-energy ethos. Although the room is designed for optimal sound and visual experience, patrons might experience warmth in certain corners, reminding everyone that pulsating parties can sometimes come with a bit of heat.
Credit: David Dumitru
4. Terrace
Nestled adjacent to the Ballroom, the open-air Terrace provides an inviting respite from the bustling indoor scenes. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Leeds’ skyline, making it the perfect chill-out zone. However, as it connects to the main areas, the pathway can become quite crowded during peak moments.
Credit: David Dumitru
The Music Experience
Kicking off with their own ‘system.’ event series, the music lineup at MiNT XL was nothing short of a sonic journey. Standout performances included the duo Foehn & Jerome in the Cage, and a captivating back-to-back set from Craig Richards and Francesco Del Garda in the Ballroom. The intimate setting of the Cage allowed for an up-close experience, especially during a vinyl set with Fumiya Tanaka, highlighting the venue’s commitment to offering diverse musical experiences.
Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
Future events promise an eclectic mix of artists spanning various electronic genres. Upcoming performances by Ewan McVicar, Morgan Seatree, and collaborations like Worried About Henry (WAH) are already generating buzz among enthusiasts.
The Atmosphere
One of the most intriguing aspects of MiNT XL is its no-phones policy during events, fostering an immersive atmosphere that encourages authentic connections among attendees. This approach harkens back to the essence of raving in the ‘90s, allowing participants to revel in the moment without distractions. Witnessing the collective euphoria and unfiltered joy amongst the crowd proved to be a refreshing experience, reminiscent of a time when raving was about community rather than capturing every detail for social media.
Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
With its innovative design, top-notch sound quality, and a focus on cultivating an authentic rave experience, MiNT XL is poised to become a remarkable hub within the UK’s nightclub landscape. The opening party was more than just an event; it was a clear statement about MiNT XL’s commitment to redefining the Leeds nightlife scene for the better.
As the club season unfolds, anticipation builds for an array of upcoming events at MiNT XL, with each weekend promising fresh experiences and unforgettable nights.
Here’s a glimpse of what lies ahead:
- Friday, 9 October – Marsolo Invites: Marsolo + More TBA
- Saturday, 10 October – Airspace: Notion, Kyle Starkey, Camille Doe + more
- Saturday, 17 October – Mint XL Presents: Cam Stockman b2b Tommy Phillips
- Friday, 30 October – Airspace: Riordan, Stef Davidse + more
- Saturday, 31 October – Ewan McVicar Presents: Halloween with Special Request, Olive F
- Saturday, 7 November – Mint XL Presents: ALISHA, Robbie Doherty + more
- Saturday, 14 November – Mint XL Presents: Morgan Seatree + more TBA
- Friday, 20 November – Framework Presents: Ben UFO, Papa Nugs + more
- Saturday, 21 November – Jampacked Would Tour Leeds Edition: Jamback, Anil Aras, A For Alpha
- Saturday, 19 December – Framework x Mugpie Presents: Christian AB, Unai Trotti + more
With such an exciting lineup and a commitment to enhancing the nightlife experience, MiNT XL is definitely a venue worth experiencing.
