Big things are happening in Wakefield for the Northern music scene.
On Saturday, the city witnessed something truly special with the launch of the new live music series WX Live at Wakefield Exchange, kicking off in spectacular style as Leeds’ own Grammy Award-winner Corinne Bailey Rae opened the programme with an unforgettable performance.
The vision behind WX Live is ambitious yet beautifully clear: to bring world-class artists to the heart of Wakefield and firmly place the city on the UK’s live music map.
More than that, it’s about giving the North its rightful place in the national spotlight offering a stage where both international and local talent can shine. For Wakefield, Leeds, and the wider region, it represents a beacon of creativity and community, a space where the arts can truly flourish.
From the very first notes, Corinne Bailey Rae reminds the audience exactly why her voice remains one of the most captivating in contemporary music. With smooth, soulful phrasing and quiet yet commanding power, she draws listeners into every lyric.
From timeless hits like “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star” to newer material brimming with vitality, Rae reimagines her songs with subtle tempo shifts, unexpected vocal flourishes, and a sense that she’s living every word in real time.
Her performance is steeped in bluesy storytelling and emotional honesty. Between songs, Rae offers glimpses into her life, from her upbringing in Leeds to her time in America, to the loss of her first husband.
She speaks candidly about her experiences as a young Black British artist navigating the music world, adding raw emotion and intimacy that makes the evening feel deeply personal and profoundly moving.
The atmosphere inside Wakefield Exchange is electric yet intimate. With no need for grand theatrics, the focus stays firmly on the music and Rae’s graceful stage presence. Her band provides perfectly measured support, letting each arrangement breathe. When the lights dim and the pace slows, her voice fills the room with warmth and power songs not just performed, but felt.
By the end of the night, it’s clear that Rae has done more than simply open WX Live; she has set an extraordinarily high bar for what’s to come. Her set is a masterclass in soul, subtlety, and sincerity, reaffirming her status as one of the defining voices of her generation.
Having Wakefield Exchange is a huge stepping stone not just for the city, but for northern music as a whole. It’s a venue that encourages footfall, fosters creativity, and opens up new opportunities for artists to perform and grow. WX Live is the perfect way to bring world-class entertainment and musical excellence to West Yorkshire.
And with Wakefield just a 15-minute train ride from Leeds, it’s practically next door, helping to expand and strengthen the region’s ever-growing music scene. The venue itself is impressive, holding a capacity of around 1,500, and with local food vendors on-site, it offers the full experience of a vibrant space where music, community, and culture come together.
Next up on WX Live are Skinny Living, bringing their SL9 Tour to the Exchange on 13 December 2025. If Saturday night is anything to go by, Wakefield’s music scene is entering an exciting new era.
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Featured image: The Hoot Leeds
