Kirklees Year of Music: What’s on where, how to book, including the BBC Proms

Get set for summer with an eclectic, vibrant and thoroughly entertaining Kirklees Year of Music line-up

As Kirklees continues to celebrate an amazing Year of Music, the summer season highlights have been unveiled, and they include something for every genre, age and taste.

HERD

HERD is an epic six-day event with created by Orlando Gough and produced by Artichoke. This is a delight for all senses, as over-sized musical sheep broadcast soundscapes – original pieces designed to work with the landscape, heritage and cultural of the region! HERD also involves local musicians and the local community in a highly innovative event that’s definitely worth locking into your diary now.

Big bands, huge fun

Dozens of events to choose from – don’t miss a moment

The headline act – or should we say acts – is Bands in the Park, which returns with a huge line-up of talent. Before the event draws to a close on August 28 there will be 30 free concerts taking place in parks from Dewsbury to Heckmondwike and Huddersfield to Birstall. Expect blues, jazz, swing, and of course, the firm local favourites, silver and brass, to bring pleasure to thousands.

BBC Proms in Dewsbury

Former BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden and pianist Jâms Coleman top the bill as the BBC Proms come to Dewsbury Town Hall on Sunday, August 6, featuring 20th and 21st century cello and piano pieces. There will be classical favourites, new compilations and an utterly outstanding, unforgettable night of entertainment on offer.

Prince Re-imagined

Come on make some noise: high-energy witty wordplay with Tongue Fu

Prince was one of the greatest singers of his generation, with songs like Purple Rain, When Doves Cry and Little Red Corvette amongst his lexicon. For one night only, August 6, at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, immerse yourself in his back catalogue in a specially created show which sees his legendary songbook recreated by live musicians in an exciting array of genres. It’s Prince, like never before, and utterly mesmerising.

Witty wordplay

Tongue Fu brings its high-energy, big hearted show to Dewsbury Town Hall on July 7. Poets, writers and storytellers form this unique celebration of wordplay – as seen at Glastonbury, Rio, and now Yorkshire! Accompanied by the quick-witted improv of the Tongue Fu band. Part gig, part experiment, no two shows are alike, making this fresh, innovative and a whole lot of fun. The Dewsbury gig includes special guests Jan Blake, one of Europe’s leading storytellers, writer and literary activist Kadijah Ibrahiim and poet Kirsty Taylor, alongside host Chris Redmond.

Find all this and more sweet, sweet music at musicinkirklees.co.uk – some spaces are limited so booking, where available, is highly recommended.