First look inside Leeds’ new music venue TESTBED

Leeds’ eclectic music hub, TESTBED, is gearing up for a grand reopening next month, having undergone a spectacular transformation that redefines what a multi-purpose venue can be.

Under the guidance of founders Laura Wellington and James Abbott-Donnelly, the project saw the venue dramatically expand its footprint, growing from 10,000 square feet to an impressive 23,000 square feet, accommodating up to 2,500 guests.

The revamp wasn’t just about size; it was about creating a wholly new spectator experience. Guests entering the venue will immediately be greeted by a brand-new 5,000 square feet mezzanine level, an upstairs bar, and a balcony offering stunning views overlooking the main dance floor.

Downstairs, the focus remains squarely on the music, featuring a custom-built stage designed to facilitate an immersive 360-degree crowd setup around the DJ booth. Future plans are already in motion for a further evolution, with details set for a Room 2 reveal in 2027.

TESTBED has embraced cutting-edge technology to ensure world-class acoustics and visuals. It is uniquely equipped with a custom-built L-Acoustics L2 system, providing festival-grade audio clarity rarely found in venues of this scale. This sonic prowess is paired with massive visual elements, including an 8m by 4m high-resolution LED video wall and a bespoke LED ceiling display.

The aesthetic vision extends to the interior architecture, featuring custom LED panels throughout the space. The revamped main stage itself has been reimagined as The Grid, complemented by other dynamic areas like The Gallery, The Ballroom, and The Canopy.

Beyond the architecture and sound, the venue has also focused on guest comfort and sustainability. Temporary facilities have been replaced with four custom-designed toilet blocks, effectively doubling previous capacity, while a high-capacity ventilation and air circulation system was installed throughout the industrial warehouse space.

Since its opening in 2021, TESTBED has successfully established itself as a unique, forward-thinking, multi-purpose space that fosters creativity and community engagement. This reputation is further cemented by collaborations with promoters like AMAAD and live music programmer Ghostwriter, who have brought major acts such as Little Simz, Yungblud, Geese, Everything Everything, The Sherlocks, and The Callous Daoboys to the area.

The venue’s impact extends beyond its walls. The broader Leeds music scene is also undergoing significant change, with the Reading & Leeds festival seeing a major staging and arena overhaul for this year’s edition. The northern leg of the festival at Bramham Park will feature a diverse lineup including Florence + The Machine, Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Chase & Status, Kasabian, and various other emerging talents.