21st Century Social Clubs host its first practitioner event in Leeds
More than 30 social clubs from across the UK gathered in Leeds earlier this month for a regional conference hosted by the Centre for Democratic Business, bringing together members and volunteers working to protect and renew Britain’s social club movement. Hosted at The Holbeck in Leeds, widely recognised as the oldest surviving Working Men’s Club in Britain, it's a venue whose own story reflects the decline and revival of Britain's social clubs over the last decade.
Our half-day 'practitioner' event is part of a national initiative – 21st Century Social Clubs – by bringing clubs together to learn from each other, share latest funding opportunities, and build strong identities around arts, culture and music. Representatives travelled from across Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Northumberland, alongside attendees from further afield including Oxfordshire, Greater London, and Sussex.
The day opened with some great stories from the The Mildmay Club, the Caroline Club, and The Holbeck itself - each offering practical examples of how their clubs are diversifying income and adapting to remain relevant. From expanding events programming to enabling greater inclusion and rethinking how their spaces are used, they demonstrated how they were using creativity and resilience to thrive in a changing landscape.
Throughout the day, panellists shared ideas and experiences for sustaining member-owned clubs in changing economic and social conditions. Attendees heard from clubs such as the Crookes Club in Sheffield and Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, which shared insights into running successful grassroots music venues. The conversation highlighted the value of working meaningfully with local communities, as well as the practical benefits of holding a second ("premises") licence that allows clubs to welcome non-members, helping to broaden audiences and generate additional income.
The conference offered a reminder that, despite well-documented challenges, the social club movement remains active and resilient. When clubs come together, there is clear commitment to safeguarding these vital community spaces and exploring new ways to ensure their future.
Join our national conference in September
The next opportunity to continue the conversation will come at the national conference on 10 September at Redhills in Durham, where club members, policymakers and civil society organisations will meet to discuss the future of social clubs.
To book your place, visit here.
