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.
Corinne Bailey Rae performing at WX Live in Wakefield. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
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.
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.
Declan Kelly -
20th October 2025 
