Central Beatz Leeds

Central Beatz Leeds started in Leeds in 2002, with a group drawn to alternative jungle and drum and bass seeking to give emerging DJs a platform. Before the promoter formed, LD50 organised jungle and drum-and-bass nights, including outdoor parties in Kendal and Lancaster. DLR was among its founders and became a resident. By October 2004, Central Beatz was presenting drum-and-bass programmes on LSR FM in Leeds and promoting artists from the city and across the North.

In 2005, Central Beatz began staging club nights, including a two-room event at Oceans Eleven combining drum and bass with breaks. Its events have taken place at The Old Red Bus Station, The Packhorse and The Hifi Club. The music policy covers drum and bass, jungle and broken beats, with space for local talent and alternative artists. One event used a compact club setup and a Funktion-One sound system.

Central Beatz partnered with Drums Up North for a 2022 Leeds event featuring Waeys and Molecular at The Old Red Bus Station. It also co-hosted an event with LTJ Bukem at Wire in 2016, alongside Overflow. Its selection approach favoured well-produced, tightly mixed music intended to turn heads.