Soundtrack to a Transformation: Local Artists Set to Launch Huddersfield’s Queensgate Square
When the Kirklees Most Wanted project set out on its mission—spearheaded by The Saving Grace Collective—the goal was simple yet ambitious: to build a platform that champions local artists, bridges the gap between home-grown talent and live venues, and proves that our region’s music scene can stand toe-to-toe with anywhere in the UK.
We’ve poured our energy into curated playlists, artist development, and creating real opportunities for musicians across Kirklees. That is why the upcoming launch weekend of Queensgate Square and the Huddersfield Library Hub on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September feels like a massive milestone for us.
“A new square. A new library. A new chapter for Huddersfield.” That’s the vision behind Our Cultural Heart’s transformation of the town centre, and we couldn’t be prouder to see artists who have come through the Kirklees Most Wanted pipeline taking center stage to soundtrack this historic moment.
The Sound of Huddersfield, Live in the Heart of Town
From 12pm to 5pm across both days, Queensgate Square will transform into a open-air festival space. Free entry, incredible local music, and a chance to explore a state-of-the-art public hub—it’s everything our creative community stands for.
Here is a closer look at the Most Wanted artists taking the stage across the weekend:
Saturday 26th September: Indie Roots, Gypsy Jazz & Brass Energy
- Liam Kershaw: Opening the weekend with raw, compelling songwriting, Liam represents the heart of West Yorkshire’s indie-acoustic scene.
- Eve Jone: Bringing lush melodies and captivating vocals (like her standout track “Our Time” featured on our Most Wanted playlist), Eve delivers a performance that demands your attention.
- Al’s Django Party: Injecting vibrant energy into the square with hot-club gypsy jazz swing that will get Queensgate moving from the very first bar.
- Deadbeat Brass: Ending Saturday on an absolute high. Known for their explosive fusion of brass, hip-hop, and heavy groove (check out “On the Deadbeat”), they are guaranteed to turn the new public square into a full-scale street party.
Sunday 27th September: Soulful Blues & Acoustic Storytelling
- Leo Brazil: Kicking off Sunday with his distinct blend of alt-folk and soul (featuring on our playlist with “Perhaps I Have The Power”), Leo’s stage presence is the perfect fit for a relaxed Sunday afternoon outdoors.
- Hannah Rowe: With hauntingly beautiful acoustic tracks like “Bellevue” and “Thin Line”, Hannah represents the incredible depth of singer-songwriter talent nurtured right here in Kirklees.
Why This Moment Matters
For a long time, local music projects have fought for physical spaces where community and culture intersect naturally. The opening of Queensgate Square and the Huddersfield Library Hub offers exactly that: a gathering place where art, education, and live performance belong to everyone.
To see our Kirklees Most Wanted artists sharing the lineup alongside fantastic acts like Wolfe Trap, JULË, Ramshackle Orchestra, and Wadcutter Blues proves what happens when you invest in grassroots creative talent.
When you hear these artists perform on the 26th and 27th September, you aren’t just listening to background music for a civic launch—you are hearing the sound of Huddersfield’s future.
Event Summary
- Event: Queensgate Square & Huddersfield Library Hub Grand Opening
- When: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Where: Queensgate Square, Huddersfield Town Centre 📍
- Admission: Free Entry 🎟️
Come down, support the artists who make our region so vibrant, and help us turn the page on this exciting new chapter for Huddersfield.