Tag: Support Local Music

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

  • 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.

The Grand Finale: Kirklees Most Wanted Returns to The Terrace for Showcase #4

The search for the region’s most electrifying talent has reached its peak. After three explosive nights that proved Huddersfield and Dewsbury is a forces to be reckoned with on the UK music map, we are back for the 4th and final installment of the Kirklees Most Wanted Showcases for this season.

On Friday, 17th April 2026, The Terrace will transform once again into a sanctuary for grassroots music. For our final bow, we’ve curated a lineup that perfectly captures the eclectic, high-energy spirit of Kirklees.

ADENiCO

ADENiCO is an independent artist from West Yorkshire blending Soul, Indie Rock and Hip-Hop into a melodic, genre-crossing sound. Known as a vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, he has performed at prominent venues across the UK — including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club — and has supported artists such as Children of Zeus. His music pairs introspective lyricism with live instrumentation and contemporary production, pushing beyond genre while remaining grounded in authenticity. After over 10 years in the industry ADENiCO recently released his debut single ‘OUTSIDUES’ in collaboration with DNB DJ/producer Ventus.

DEAF ROMERO

The Vibe: Explosive, eccentric, and high-octane. Hailing from the Halifax/Huddersfield circuit, DEAF ROMERO is a trio that needs to be seen to be believed. Fresh off BBC Introducing airplay, their sound is a “cartoony,” neon-soaked tribute to ‘90s alt-rock. Expect dual vocals, synth wizardry, and stories ranging from the occult to the breakfast table. They are unpredictable, electrifying, and loud.

Reight Twang

The Vibe: Gritty, rhythmic, and unapologetically Northern. As authentic as their name suggests, Reight Twang delivers a high-octane collision of ska, punk, funk, and rock. With a distinct regional edge and a reputation for turning any floor into a pulsing crowd, their grit and groove are the perfect match for the intimate energy of The Terrace.

Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England and Saving Grace Collective, this series has been about more than just gigs; it’s been a celebration of the “sonic soul” of our community.


The Details

Keeping the momentum moving between sets is the incredible DJ Fiesta La Ginger, ensuring the energy never dips from the first beat to the final curtain.

This is your last chance to catch the Most Wanted series in its current form. Come support local artists, support local venues, and discover your next favorite band before they hit the big time.

Don’t be the one saying “I wish I’d been there.” See you at The Terrace.

Soul, Grit, and Chaos at The Terrace

Venue: The Terrace, Dewsbury
Date: 20/03/2026
Artists: Elefem, DuckLin Curls & Vazon
On the Decks: Fiesta La Ginger

If anyone still thinks “nothing happens in Dewsbury,” they clearly weren’t at The Terrace last Friday. Yet another of the Kirklees Most Wanted showcase series came to town. In an intimate, enthralling atmosphere, we saw exactly why the Kirklees scene is currently the one to watch.

The Vibes: Fiesta La Ginger

The night was glued together by Fiesta La Ginger, who kept the energy high from the moment doors opened. Eschewing the typical “background music” approach, her transitions between sets were masterclasses in vibe-management, blending high-energy beats that ensured the floor never stayed empty for long.

The Opener: Elefem

Taking the first live slot, was the incomparable Elefem. Manchester-born but firmly embraced by the Leeds/Kirklees circuit, she delivered a masterclass in modern Soul and R&B. Her vocals are liquid gold—smooth, yet possessing a sharp edge that cuts through the room. Whether she was hitting velvet-low notes or soaring through jazz-infused runs, Elefem commanded the stage with a natural flair that suggests she won’t be playing venues this small for much longer.

The Lyricist: DuckLin Curls

The atmosphere shifted gears with DuckLin Curls. Bringing a raw, unpredictable edge to the stage, Curls back from his adventures in Oz leaned into his Wu-Tang and Mac Miller influences. His flow is effortless, but it’s the introspective depth of his lyrics that really grabbed the room. It was gritty, honest, and served as a perfect mid-point reminder of the diversity this showcase aims to highlight. DuckLin Curls is BACK to reinstate his claim on the UK watch this space, you’re going to see him everywhere the young man is a special talent!!

The Closers: Vazon

Closing the night was Vazon, they proved why they’re whispered about as one of the best up and coming live bands in West Yorkshire. Drawing on the heavy, melodic DNA of bands like Muse, Royal Blood, Deftones and more, their set was a wall of sound. They managed to make a 100-capacity venue feel like a stadium, converting the chaos of the world into high-voltage rock that left the audience visibly stunned.

Final Thoughts

The Kirklees Most Wanted project is doing exactly what it set out to do: proving that the local talent pool is deep and incredibly varied. The Terrace provided the perfect “pressure cooker” environment for these artists to shine.

Missed out? Don’t make the same mistake twice. The final showcase of the series hits The Terrace on April 17th. Entry is free, but tickets go fast—don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Kirklees Most Wanted Returns To The Terrace

Get your calendars out and your playlists ready. On March 20th, 2026, the Kirklees Most Wanted project is making its highly anticipated return to The Terrace in Dewsbury.

More than just a gig, Kirklees Most Wanted is a celebration of the sonic soul of our community. This showcase is a dedicated platform designed to amplify the most exciting local voices, offering you a front-row seat to the future of the UK music scene. From soulful R&B to high-octane rock, this lineup is a testament to the sheer diversity of talent brewing right here in Kirklees.


The Lineup: Meet Your New Favorites

Elefem

Manchester-born and Leeds-based, Elefem is a master of blending classic R&B and Soul with a sharp, modern edge. After a massive 2025 that saw her drop four singles and collaborate with the likes of Jamettone and Yelah, she arrives in Dewsbury with a reputation for captivating live sets. Whether she’s performing a stripped-back acoustic session or leading a full, jazz-infused band, her natural flair for performance is undeniable.

Ducklin Curls

If you like your Hip-Hop unpredictable and prolific, Ducklin Curls is the artist you’ve been waiting for. Drawing inspiration from the raw grit of Wu-Tang, the boundary-pushing production of The Neptunes, and the introspective depth of Mac Miller, Curls is carving out a unique space in the UK scene. He doesn’t just play music; he builds worlds.

Vazon

Prepare for things to get loud. Vazon takes the chaos of the world and converts it into high-energy, melodic rock. Frequently described as “one of the best live bands in the local scene,” they are essential listening for fans of Muse, QOTSA, and Deftones. Their sound is infectious, their energy is unmatched, and they are guaranteed to leave minds blown.

On the Decks: Fiesta La Ginger

Keeping the vibes immaculate throughout the night is Fiesta La Ginger. Providing the soundtrack from the moment doors open and filling the gaps between sets, expect high-energy transitions that will keep the crowd moving until the final curtain.


Event Details

  • Date: March 20th, 2026
  • Venue: The Terrace, Dewsbury

Don’t miss this extraordinary night of music and discovery. Come through, support local artists, and find your next favorite act before the rest of the world catches on.

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Good Good Blood

His music is the product of trusting his ear and his creative vision alike, telling stories in his own interesting way. This is an attribute I am always drawn to in an artist, especially in a genre such as folk. The intimacy of each tale sat alongside his experimental recording techniques make for a unique listening experience, reminiscent of autumn in the countryside.