Decks in the City: Empowering the Next Generation of DJs in Liverpool

Liverpool-based social enterprise Decks in the City is making waves in the city’s music scene by providing DJ education, events, and opportunities for emerging talent.

Founded by Kerri Ankrah-Lucas, the enterprise has quickly built a vibrant community of DJs through a series of innovative events, collaborations, and accessible learning experiences.

Since its launch, Decks in the City has been breaking down barriers to create an inclusive platform for aspiring DJs. By blending education with performance opportunities, the initiative fosters a strong sense of community, offering people from all walks of life a space to explore the art of DJing.

Decks in the City Events

• Introduction to DJing Course – A six-week program teaching beginner DJs the fundamentals of mixing, culminating in a live performance debut. Due to its success, an intermediate course has now been introduced.
• Musical Munch – A pop-up lunchtime party in partnership with LIPA, bringing DJ culture into student spaces.
• After Dark – A club night celebrating the influence of Black British music culture, supported by Culture Liverpool and hosted at DISTRICT in the Baltic Triangle.
• Baltic Blends – A bi-weekly Open Deck Night at Arts Bar Baltic, providing emerging DJs with a platform to perform and network, while also creating a space for local student DJ societies.
• DJ Masterclass – Free introductory DJ sessions designed to engage the wider community and inspire the next generation of talent.

Founder Kerri Ankrah-Lucas shared her vision: “Decks in the City was created to build a supportive community where DJs can share, learn, and grow. The response has been incredible – from packed-out events to seeing total beginners transform into confident performers. Liverpool’s music scene is built on collaboration, and that’s exactly what we’re about.”

With a rapid growth of 600 Instagram followers in just three months, a guest slot on SVARA Radio, and ongoing partnerships with LIPA, Culture Liverpool, and Kindred’s BlaST business development programme, Decks in the City is solidifying its place in Liverpool’s creative landscape.

Looking ahead, the enterprise is preparing to expand its educational offerings with an Advanced DJ Course and additional community projects. As it develops a sustainable business model for long-term growth, Decks in the City is set to become a key player in shaping the future of Liverpool’s music scene.

For more information follow @decks.inthecity on Instagarm.