TESTBED reveals major upgrades ahead of reopening
A new and improved TESTBED will relaunch this September, at the intersection of electronic music, live culture and community. With a capacity of 2,500, the landmark Leeds venue will reopen its doors to showcase permanent structural improvements and major upgrades across sound (a custom L-Acoustics L2 system), lighting (a fully integrated Chauvet lighting system), and overall customer experience.
TESTBED’s founders Laura Wellington and James Abbott-Donnelly remain front and centre, now with the backing to realise their original cultural vision for the venue; an accessible platform where Leeds-based ideas, talent and organisations can grow, collaborate and reach bigger audiences. AMAAD – the promoters behind Junction 2 Festival, LWE events, and Ironworks – has partnered with TESTBED, providing significant investment, expertise, and firm plans to bring world-class talent to the city, as the new and improved venue joins influential multi-purpose venues Quarters in Brighton and The Prospect Building in Bristol, as part of the AMAAD venue portfolio.
The venue is expanding from 10,000 sq ft to 23,000 sq ft. It features a brand-new 5,000 sq ft mezzanine level with customisable seating and a view of the huge dancefloor space 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 unrivalled atmosphere around the DJ booth when in club mode. A Room 2 is also underway for a 2027 reveal, creating a multi-purpose space and chill-out area.
TESTBED promises to 'push immersive culture in Leeds to the next level', providing a platform for clubbing, live music, theatre, community projects, and more. It will be the only venue in the city with a customised L-Acoustics L2 system usually found at larger venues and festivals, delivering full-venue coverage, while the cardioid array configuration directs sound into the venue, reducing transmission towards neighbours. The newly designed 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 8m x 4m LED video wall.
Guests will also keep cool thanks to significant upgrades to ventilation and air circulation, with powerful high-capacity fans creating a fresher, more comfortable environment throughout.
Perhaps less glamorous, but no less important, the portaloos are gone, replaced by four brand new toilet blocks that double capacity - all custom designed with unique flair while focusing on safety, comfort and hygiene.
AMAAD has focused on long-term partnerships with local businesses, creative collectives, independent promoters, and charities at its venues, and has created youth apprenticeship schemes and cultural spaces to connect. The TESTBED founders share these values and will continue to provide a home for community radio station, alto radio, which broadcasts from its base inside the venue.
The TESTBED has carved out a reputation as a unique, forward-thinking, multi-purpose space. AMAAD brings a proven track record and booking expertise - music fans should expect high-quality, credible artist bookings that respect the venue's heritage and Leeds' rich history of electronic music culture.
With a fully standing 1500-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 - to include TESTBED. The venue will create a vital next-step venue where emerging and established artists can grow into larger audiences, while giving national and international touring acts another reason to include Leeds on their schedules.
Full lineups and opening details will be announced soon. TESTBED reopens its doors in September to reveal the next stage in its evolution.
Please note: This is a promotional feature
Everything Everything kickstarts live music at Quarters Brighton
AMAAD (A Man About A Dog) has announced the first artists in its live music offering at Brighton’s newest cultural hub, Quarters. Art pop trailblazers Everything Everything will give the Quarters stage its live music debut on 1st November, with indie favourites The Sherlocks also confirmed to perform on 27th November. AMAAD has partnered with live music programming specialists Ghostwriter to establish Quarters as a vital destination for live music on the South Coast.
Following the recent launch of Quarters’ world-class electronic music programme, AMAAD aims to deliver a statement of intent with the quality of its initial live bookings, and is committed to bringing the full spectrum of contemporary music culture to Brighton.
Everything Everything have scored six top 10 albums, five Ivor Novello and two Mercury Prize nominations, and previously headlined shows at Alexandra Palace in London. Catching them live in the stripped-back intimacy of Quarters will be an unforgettable start for live music at the venue.
Everything Everything said, "We're excited to be playing a special intimate show in Brighton's newest grassroots music venue, Quarters, in a city we've always been fond of, and that has always been good to us. This will be the first attempt at our Get To Heaven show, and it's a pleasure to bring it to the independent stage."
Another big name follows, as The Sherlocks step up to deliver the indie rock anthems that have seen them land four top 10 albums and six top 10 singles, including three #1 hits. With more announcements to come, Quarters remains committed to supporting a range of genres and talent.
Ade Dovey, business and programming development manager at Ghostwriter, said, "Having begun my venue career in Brighton, the city holds a very special place in my heart. It's an incredible place, a beacon for forward-thinking, independent music culture, driven by passionate local promoters and a never-ending stream of emerging talent across all genres. Quarters will be a welcome addition to Brighton's network of grassroots venues, further enhancing what the city has to offer. I can't wait to reconnect with such a vibrant live music scene again."
AMAAD founders Paul Jack and Will Harold said, "Brighton has a rich musical heritage and we want Quarters to become part of this - a South Coast destination point where contemporary music culture can thrive. This first live music programme announcement is the next step towards this goal, and there is a lot more to come.”
Built on the foundations of the legendary Zap Club, Quarters has been transformed to accommodate both electronic and live music experiences. The bespoke L-Acoustics surround sound system delivers crystal-clear acoustics for live performances, while the venue's intelligent lighting design heightens atmosphere. The venue's intimate space creates an unparalleled connection between artist and audience, and together with a dedicated chillout area, promises to deliver live music the way it is meant to be experienced.
More lineup announcements are expected to follow in the near future.
The partnership with Ghostwriter - the live programmers bringing the likes of Little Simz, Yungblud, and Mac DeMarco to The Prospect Building in Bristol - brings decades of live music expertise to Quarters and promises an inspired selection of artists heading for Brighton.
Further live music announcements and additional programming will follow.
Please note: This is a promotional feature
Iconic Brighton venue transformed into Quarters
AMAAD (A Man About A Dog), the promoters behind Junction 2, LWE, The Prospect Building, Boundary Festival, and more, will launch a new electronic and live music venue in Brighton in late Autumn. The venue was previously known as The Arch and originally housed the seminal club, The Zap. Quarters aims to become an integral part of Brighton’s nightlife and a vital hub for culture and collaboration.
Quarters will see AMAAD extend its partnership with renowned live music programmers, Ghostwriter, and provide a canvas for in-house and external local event promoters and programmers to explore their creativity. AMAAD already plays a part in Brighton’s music scene, promoting local and global talent, with involvement in Boundary Festival, a two-day, 20,000-capacity event held in Stanmer Park.
The full transformation of Quarters will be unveiled in two stages, with Phase One revealing a complete renovation of the space. Two rooms will combine into a single dancefloor, featuring a bespoke L-Acoustics A15 surround soundsystem; creative new lighting, intentionally stripped back to keep focus on the music; a 360-degree DJ booth; and more space for chill-out areas and seating.
AMAAD founders Paul Jack and Will Harold said, “We have a long track record of transforming ideas into culturally significant projects, and we’re very excited about Quarters. We aim to showcase world-class talent while also providing a platform for collaboration with Brighton’s diverse creative community. We’ve always loved Brighton’s independent attitude and see a great opportunity to build a forward-thinking venue that supports a wide range of culture in the area.”
AMAAD states that its wider mission is to build a credible destination for music and connection that is inclusive, safe, and affordable. It plans to work on a long-term vision for sustainability, in line with other AMAAD brands, such as Junction 2, Paradise In The City, and The Prospect Building.
With further announcements to come, Quarters will present multi-genre, balanced programming, featuring high-quality bookings alongside up-and-coming talent. With a focus on the art of DJing, events will bring clubbers together around one key headline act, with all DJs taking the dancefloor deeper into their sound with extended sets.
Quarters' collaboration with Ghostwriter - the live programmers bringing the likes of Little Simz, Yungblud, and Mac DeMarco to The Prospect Building in Bristol - will also deliver inspired and exciting live music to Brighton.
Both club and live programming will draw on Brighton’s rich history of culture and community, local heroes, and A-list international artists.
AMAAD has committed to significant investment in the venue and in Brighton, building on longstanding relationships and placing further emphasis on collaboration with a growing network of local businesses and talent, from management to security. Further expansion in 2026 will see Quarters build on its cultural contribution with new additions and aesthetics to be announced.
Please note: This is a promotional feature