One foot in the Rave - Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation is more than music, it's family

In an era where music events are too often commodified, with ticket prices soaring and smartphones omnipresent, there exists a rare oasis—a living, breathing shrine to the ethos of the rave: Let me welcome to the stage, Rejuvenation. Held at the Beaver Works in Leeds, this sprawling warehouse by day transforms into a vibrant communal playground by night. Rejuvenation is a pilgrimage for the devoted, and a temple for the sounds and spirit of the 80s/ 90s rave scene. It’s clear from the moment you walk through the door that this isn’t your average music event.

Watch our video below, when we stepped into the heart of Rejuvenation (November 2024):

As a journalist and a newcomer to this particular scene, my invitation to Rejuvenation came from Leah Maynard, a luminary of the early Manchester rave days, and Paul Banks, who is making the rounds on Manchester's music scene. Paul, remarkably, had never been to a rave before, having cut his teeth in the world of clubbing. Together, we set out to immerse ourselves in this world of old-school anthems, relentless beats, and an unyielding sense of community. For me, there was a deep desire to do this justice. I didn’t want to rush through it or let it pass as just another assignment. It felt important; to the people, to the culture, and to myself. I wanted to capture the true essence of what makes Rejuvenation so special.

Arriving, the buzz was palpable. The air carried the mingling scents of sweat and faint smoke, instantly transporting me to an era I’d only heard about or seen in grainy VHS footage. Leah was immediately swarmed by well-wishers and old friends, her presence a beacon for the night. She was family, a figure of reverence. And that’s the thing about Rejuvenation—it’s not just an event; it’s a homecoming for its attendees.

Simon and Susanne, the husband-and-wife duo who run Rejuvenation, greeted us with warmth that felt genuine and unshakeable. Simon’s words to me before we began filming stayed with me throughout the night: “Respect the people and the event, that's all I ask” This wasn’t a hedonistic free-for-all to exploit for clicks; it was a space carefully curated for those who truly understand and cherish its essence.

Susanne, guarding the door, upheld a tradition that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Rejuvenation: no one gets in without a hug. “No hug, no entry—simple as,” Leah had explained with a smile.

When I asked Susanne if anyone ever refused, she answered, “Oh yeah, and then you know who’s not part of the family" Those who didn’t embrace the ethos—literally and metaphorically—were turned away. The result was a sense of safety and camaraderie.

Paul, Leah, and the friends we made along the way

The music and the people were the heart of Rejuvenation. From the first beat in the Italo House room to the chest-rattling bass in the Hardcore basement, and a bit of Trance in between, every corner of the venue oozed with energy. The Hardcore room quickly became my favourite, its rhythms pulling even the most hesitant into the fray. Watching veteran ravers, the so-called “old timers” tear up the dance floor was awe-inspiring. Their footwork was impressive, their stamina unmatched. This wasn’t nostalgia; it was a living, breathing memory in the making.

Paul, standing beside me, was beyond blown away. For someone who had only experienced clubbing before, this was a revelation, or may I say - Rejuvenation... He was like a kid in a candy store, soaking in the atmosphere and the music with wide-eyed wonder. It was infectious. And for me, it felt fresh—ironically, considering it was entirely old skool. There was something magical about stepping into a space where the music took precedence, untainted by the distractions of modern life.

Phones were conspicuously absent, a stark contrast to most modern events. Here, the music commanded undivided attention. The glowing sticks, whistles, and unrelenting chants conjured images of 90s rave videos that I have REPEATEDLY watched on YouTube. This wasn’t a diluted version of the past but was the real deal, alive and thriving in 2024.

Outside, during a breather, Leah drew more people into her orbit. The conversations were poignant, revealing the deeper layers of what Rejuvenation represents. For many, Rejuvenation isn’t just a night out—it’s a sanctuary, a place where they can reconnect with their younger selves and the friends they’ve lost along the way.

These ravers are the definition of persistence, or as I’d later reflect, Sisyphean. Despite the inevitable pitfalls of life, they keep rolling that boulder uphill, night after night, beat after beat. They are the ones who refuse to let the spirit of the rave fade into history. For them, this isn’t just a memory; rather, a lifeline.

In a world increasingly driven by profit and technology, it’s a rare and beautiful thing to find a space where people matter more than money, where hugs are mandatory, and where the only thing that matters is the music and the people who love it.

For me, this night wasn’t just a story to tell or footage to film. It was a window into a world where the past and present collide in perfect harmony. As I left Beaver Works, the sound of pounding bass fading into the early morning air, I felt a deep gratitude for the people who keep this culture alive. Life is too short, and for the Rejuvenation family, every beat is a reminder to live it fully, with one foot firmly in the rave.

So, here we arrive, at the end - for now - Rejuvenation waits in the winter shadows until March 8th. As always, we will see you at the front!

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