If you’ve spent any time on the grassroots Northern dance scene lately, chances are you’ve heard the name Lee Ashworth. Or, if you’re at one of his nights, you’ve probably heard someone shout “Up the Compakt!” across the dancefloor.
Lee is the driving force behind Compakt Events, a proudly grassroots music brand that’s all about reviving local nightlife, championing under-the-radar talent, and building community from the dancefloor up.
But long before he was putting on shows in Burnley, Darwen and Ibiza, Lee was handing out flyers dressed as a fisherman… or a bee. “There are many pictures of me dressed as a bee across Facebook,” he laughs. “That’s where it started for me: being out on the streets in the rain, giving out stickers and free shot flyers and seeing the love people had for nightlife in our towns.”
Lee the Bee!
It’s that same passion that fuels everything Lee does with Compakt. His route into events wasn’t typical. He tried his hand at DJing and hosted the odd afterparty, but his heart was always in bringing people together. A charity night for a friend with cancer was the turning point. “He didn’t make it to the event, but we set it up in his memory, and I knew then I wanted to keep going. As Compakt grows, I hope I can keep his legacy alive through the music.”
That sense of meaning runs through every event he touches. Whether it’s a local party stacked with emerging DJs or two huge nights this September in Ibiza (yes, Ibiza!), Lee’s ethos is simple: create spaces where people feel included, and give emerging artists the spotlight they deserve.
“I’m from Burnley, and when I was younger, you could see big names right on your doorstep,” he says. “Now, everything’s in the cities. Tickets are £50, then you’re paying the same again for travel or a hotel. It just pushes people out. So I wanted to flip that and bring the party back home. Our events are £5–10. You get incredible local talent playing alongside DJs they admire. It’s for the people.”
That’s the Compakt difference. Real people, real energy, real opportunities.
From Burnley to Ibiza
His proudest moment? Of course, getting two events in Ibiza this year is huge. “Even saying it amazes me. We’ve got DJs from across the country heading to Plastik, and it’ll be a great chance to network and shine,” he says. “But honestly, the community we’ve built locally means just as much. We see the same faces at every event, always supporting the artists. That’s what this is all about.”
Lee’s also working on something deeply personal and important. On 20th September, he’s launching “United By The Groove” at The Yard in Manchester: a night focused on accessibility and inclusion in music, built in collaboration with Joe Skinner (who lives with cerebral palsy) and Gabe from Xtratrax. “It’s hard getting Joe into most venues – stairs, narrow spaces, no accessibility. That has to change. Music is for everyone. We’re raising money for Sense, and we’ve got some exciting names looking to support us too.”
Keeping it Local
Looking ahead, Lee’s got his eye on a return to Birmingham, a refined approach to Manchester shows, and potential expansion into Leeds and Liverpool. Always rooted in local community. “We don’t want to just follow the big club circuit. We want to grow something real in the places that need it.”
Lee and Joe Skinner
Words of Wisdom
So, what advice does he have for others thinking about starting a grassroots event or breaking into the scene?
“Be patient. Don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t stress over ticket sales. No one buys early anymore. So build your crew, get your DJs involved in promotion, offer little rewards, grow together. You never know what’s around the corner. I nearly gave up… and two weeks later I was booking Ibiza.”
At Fleckies, we’re backing that all the way. Support your local brands. Buy your tickets early. Show up, cheer loud, and know that your energy helps keep this culture alive. The big names didn’t get there on their own, and the next ones are playing in your town right now.
Follow Lee at @compaktevents or tap the link: https://bit.ly/m/Compaktevents
