HAR Late: Reach Up Disco Wonderland with Andy Smith and Nick Halkes

Nick Halkes and Andy Smith will bring a night of disco‑spanning DJ sets to the Howard Assembly Room.

Halkes co‑founded XL Recordings, signing acts such as The Prodigy and later launched Positiva, the label behind hits from Reel to Real, Vengaboys and Cascada. He now manages The Prodigy, DJ Fresh and Bad Company UK, and performs worldwide as part of Reach Up Disco Wonderland.

Andy Smith, formerly of Portishead, runs BBE’s The Document series and curates the BBE Reach UP LPs. He’s recognised as one of the world’s top DJs and brings his deep knowledge of disco, from obscure 70s cuts to 90s classics.

They are joined by Leeds duo Galaxians, performing live with their signature blend of heavy percussion and analogue synthesisers. Also appearing live are Golden Gate, a disco and house project from Leeds, alongside a set from Ian Ossia representing the long-running local house and disco night Downtown Disco.

Arrive early for an “in conversation with” Q&A hosted by Rob Chadwick with Nick and Andy from 6.30pm. From co-founding XL Recordings and the UK rave explosion to touring with Portishead, the pair will be digging into a lifetime spent at the heart of the music industry with great stories, behind the scenes moments, and plenty of laughs from two friends who’ve lived and breathed music at the highest level.

Those wishing to dance should book in the Stalls, as the Galleries are seated.