The UK’s metro mayors will battle it out on the decks for an iconic night of head-to-head musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF.

Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues, on 21 May 2025. For one night only, the mayors will deliver spinbacks not speeches, regional rivalries will be tested, and the only fiery debate will be whether house is better than techno. 

Ticketholders can expect a dazzling production, an all-star lineup of mayors-turned-DJs, and an electrifying clash of styles, from disco anthems to indie classics. This will be an evening where politics takes a backseat, and the musical talents of the nation’s regional leaders are revealed.

This landmark event will raise money for UKREiiF’s official charity partner Regeneration Brainery.  All monies raised from ticket sales will go towards Regeneration Brainery’s continuing support of more than 6,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in the property and regeneration industry.  

Regeneration Brainery’s national social mobility programme offers in-depth insights into the property industry, through workshops, work experience, and opportunities to connect with inspirational mentors. “Brainees” develop crucial employability skills, with over a third of participants now in the industry. 

With a crowd-powered vote, the audience will be the ones to decide who destroyed the dance floor with their powerful beats, and who should stick to their day job.  

At only £20 a ticket, The Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025 will be an event not to miss, where the power is in the playlist and the audience will decide which of the mayors is worthy of following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses, The Killers, and Robbie Williams in taking to the O2 Academy stage.

Matt Christie, Director UKREiiF, said: 

“We cannot wait for a night that will go down in industry folklore, one where we get to witness our regional leaders showcase their hidden talents. It’s going to be a special evening, featuring several special guests, raising money for an incredible organisation that UKREiiF is proud to support as its charity partner. I have my guesses who will emerge victorious, but I can’t wait to see who the audience decides is champion of this battle.” 

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