Raptor helps Leeds students choose the WKD side

WKD and Raptor hosted two parties so guests could choose their WKD Side. Neighbouring venues in Leeds offered distinctive experiences that reflected WKD.
WKD transformed two neighbouring venues with different sounds, energy and vibes to reflect two WKD sides.

The event on 6th May 2026 celebrated the launch of WKD’s new ATL campaign – ‘Got a WKD Side?’ – focusing on the bold, fun-loving and cheeky personality of the brand, bringing it to life IRL.

On arrival, guests had to pick which party to attend, and their night was then defined by the side they chose. Blue side captured a playful spirit and was a place where people could be themselves, be bold and enjoy house music. Venom side celebrated the launch of WKD’s new ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails: Cheeky V, Venom, and Blue Lagoon. Designed to bring out the fun, the Venom side featured UKG/Speed Garage and was full of the energetic, carefree excitement that defines a great night out.

With a different sound, DJ lineup, distinctive lighting, visuals and atmosphere, guests had a clear choice at the door and could decide which side was right for them. After choosing their side, students were invited into the fun, where they could celebrate the unplanned and the night became whatever they made of it.

Every moment of the event was designed with mischief and personality, from the pressure of choosing your side to analogue moments and impactful DJ sets. The venues were selected following research on iconic Leeds locations amongst 18-24 year olds. WKD took over Korean restaurant Chimaek Oppa and Greek eatery Mythos in the Hyde Park area of Leeds, maximising the event’s visibility to students.

To ensure the launch resonated authentically with students, WKD partnered with Cirque du Soul, one of the UK’s leading student music promoters, who delivered a talent and social media partnership. Sophie Violet from Girls Don’t Sync headlined the Blue side, supported by Cirque du Soul residents WhosWill and F3rgi3. Venom side featured Joe Hunt, King Booo!, CamUKG, B-Hind and Tuggey.

The boldly decorated adjoining events were a visual representation of the ‘Got a WKD Side?’ campaign by Continuous, launched in March 2026. Refreshed for a Gen Z audience, ‘Got a WKD Side?’ celebrates the unplanned, slightly chaotic moments that make nights memorable.

Scott Bell, Marketing Director, SHS Drinks, said: “WKD has always been about fun with attitude, and that matters more than ever today. ‘Got a WKD Side?’ is built on insight and designed for how consumers actually socialise today – real moments shared with mates – and this event brings that to life at a pivotal moment for the
brand. WKD is back in growth, delivering +3.1% value and +24% volume growth in the latest four weeks, and we’re backing that momentum with a £10m+ investment programme, including a major above‑the‑line campaign now live. Through experiences like this, we believe WKD can bring fresh energy to the RTD category, recruit the next generation of drinkers, and continue delivering for our customers across on‑trade and take‑home.”

Coolr led on social while Raptor delivered the experience including strategy, event management and staffing.

David Burgman, Co-Founder and CEO, Raptor, said: “We brought to life WKD’s new brand proposition to a generation that appreciates an ‘all fun, no filters’ approach. With the rise of social media, dance floors became filled with people living through a screen. But no phone policies are now catching on, with a desire to create a more present, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of pre-smartphone, ‘90s-era clubbing. As WKD launched in the UK in 1996 it felt right to be summoning that same energy people would have felt on dance floors back then. For one night people embraced their WKD side at two parties designed to capture the carefree, spontaneous essence of a great night out.”