The K.M.W. Showcase Takes Over Northern Quarter
Huddersfield | January 10th, 2026
The new year has barely begun, but Huddersfield has already set a high bar for live music in 2026. On Saturday, January 10th, Northern Quarter played host to the latest Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase. To say it was a success would be an understatement; it was a high-octane celebration of the incredible homegrown talent that defines our local scene.
From the moment the doors opened at the Wood Street venue, the energy was electric. Curated by the Saving Grace Collective, the showcase felt like more than just a concert—it was a statement of intent for the Kirklees creative community.
The Lineup: A Reflection of Our Scene
The core mission of the Kirklees Most Wanted project is genre-blurring inclusivity. Saturday night was the perfect physical manifestation of that goal.
Fiesta La Ginger
Taking the reins on the decks, Fiesta La Ginger ensured there was never a dull moment. Mixing an eclectic blend of classic soul, local gems, and hip-hop staples, her sets provided the high-energy thread that unified the entire evening.
Sophie & Songs
In a beautiful shift of pace, Sophie delivered a hauntingly authentic opening set. Her stripped-back folk style and stirring vocals on tracks like “Denial” and “Love Betrayed Me” commanded a “pin-drop” silence. The rapturous applause and chants for “one more track!” proved she was the perfect choice to set the tone for the night.
Leo Brazil
A staple of the UK scene, Leo Brazil delivered a masterclass in songwriting. Blending acoustic foundations with country, folk, and psychedelia, his “foot-stomping” energy had the crowd in the palm of his hand—culminating in a massive room-wide sing-along to his fan-favorite track, “Bats.”
Eskar & Micky Swags
Representing the underground hip-hop movement, Eskar brought a razor-sharp, honed performance to the stage. Joined by Micky Swags and DJ Chillsmyth, they delivered a hard-hitting set featuring the track “Kaiju.” The night’s most poignant moment came during “116 123,” a powerful piece focused on mental health awareness that resonated deeply with the audience.
Rillington Place
Closing the live performances, alternative nu-metal outfit Rillington Place quite literally brought the house down. With unmatched stage presence and unfiltered passion, they debuted unreleased material from their forthcoming EP alongside the heavy-hitting “Lament,” proving our scene has plenty of bite to match its soul.
Nurturing the Ecosystem
The “Most Wanted” showcase continues to be a vital platform for discovery. It was inspiring to hear from attendees who arrived to see one specific act but left as fans of three more. This spirit of cross-genre support is exactly what we aim to foster.
As our founder noted during the evening, this project is about more than just a single night; it’s about nurturing a “vibrant, inclusive music ecosystem” right here in Kirklees.
Next Stop: Dewsbury
The momentum doesn’t stop here. We are taking the K.M.W Showcase on the road for our next event on February 20th, 2026.
We’ll be taking over The Terrace in Dewsbury with another incredible lineup: Eve Joné | Simon Walker | Penny | Don Gonzo (With sounds by Fiesta La Ginger)
