This year, RA teamed with Absolut for a third year of Alternate Cuts: a series of events that highlights the UK's best local promoters, and invites well-known DJs to play sets outside of their comfort zones. In 2019 we visited Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield with Jayda G, Motor City Drum Ensemble and Tama Sumo, but you could argue that the locals themselves were the real stars. We profiled each to hear about their histories and what makes them special.

SisBis (Liverpool)

SisBis not only provides a platform for women artists, it also materially supports the women who are most in need. Every party is a fundraiser, and the money goes towards Refugee Women Connect, which aims to build a "safe life" for women refugees, asylum-seekers and trafficking survivors. Attendees are encouraged to bring other donations, including basic necessities like hygienic products and footwear, turning SisBis into a party with a real purpose.

High Hoops (Manchester)

Inspired equally by a family legacy of throwing safe and welcoming events in Troubles-era Belfast as it is by the film Paris Is Burning, High Hoops is a refuge for people of all stripes in Manchester. Bookings range from big artists like DJ Sprinkles and Octo Octa to a wide swathe of up-and-coming names and local talents with an emphasis on booking people from diverse backgrounds, while Manchester voguing crew House Of Decay often shows up to perform alongside the DJs.

Pretty Pretty Good (Sheffield)

Pretty Pretty Good started with a simple and familiar mission: to bring cool artists and DJs to Sheffield. It's since grown into something bigger: it's now a full-time job for its organizers, who focus on creating community in the Steel City (and increasingly, other places around the UK). And they're trying to expand beyond just parties, with alternative events like production workshops. With a rising star—R&S signee Yak—as one of the cofounders and residents, you can expect to hear a lot more about this group in the near future.