The Leeds legend has been announced as the headliner for the pilot of WX Live, a series of concerts taking place at Wakefield Exchange.
Presented by Wakefield Council, the fantastic new programme of live music in the multi-use space endeavours to bring world-class live music experiences to the city.
Renowned singer, songwriter and Leeds-born Corinne Bailey Rae shot to stardom with her self-titled no. 1 UK debut album in 2006, featuring the global hits ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star’.
Over the course of her career, Bailey Rae has released four critically acclaimed studio records, sold over 10 million albums worldwide; worked with a wide range of music legends such as Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and more.
Image: Supplied
It's the perfect headliner to open the series of performances a WX Live and we're sure she's going to kick things off in style.
Having opened in February 2025, Wakefield Exchange has been hosting events, exhibitions and performances for local people of all ages as well as being home to lots of independent businesses.
Corinne Bailey Rae said: “I'm so excited to be the first artist to headline Wakefield Exchange, and to be a part of launching this new space for people in Wakefield to come and enjoy live music and the arts. It's always special for us to be able to play at home in West Yorkshire and I can't wait to perform a very special show xx"
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Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Wakefield Exchange is fast becoming a vibrant hub where local communities and visitors come together to enjoy unforgettable events.
"Its transformation into a venue capable of hosting large-scale music gigs marks a significant milestone in enhancing our district’s cultural landscape."
Corinne Bailey Rae will perform at XY Live on Saturday 18 October, tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 4 September and you can grab yours here.
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
Clementine Hall
Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.
That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.
The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:“Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.
“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.
“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.
Clementine Hall -
3rd September 2025 
