Kirklees Together

Did you Take the Lead and have your say on upcoming events in Dewsbury?

We’re planning a huge range of events for the coming year – and our first ‘Taking the Lead’ event in January is helping to put together this programme!

What is the Taking the Lead programme?

The ‘Taking the Lead’ programme is part of the Dewsbury Town Investment Plan, which summarises how we plan to boost Dewsbury’s economy and long-term prosperity.  ‘Taking the Lead’ is all about capitalising on our creative culture in and around Dewsbury, celebrating local artists of all kind, and using art and music to bring communities together.

What was the first event?

On Saturday 21 January, the programme’s first public event was held in Dewsbury bus station as part of the Kirklees Year of Music – our annual programme to celebrate Kirklees’ rich and diverse musical heritage.

Hundreds of Saturday commuters got to enjoy performances from the Dewsbury Community Choir, Grange Moor Brass Band and local musician Simon Walker.

As well as brightening everyone’s day, the event served an important purpose for the programme.  Taking the Lead staff, alongside young volunteers, spoke to people travelling through the bus station to find out more about what they’d like to see from ‘Taking the Lead’. 

They spoke about what types of music and events they’d be interested in attending in Dewsbury over the coming year, about places they enjoy in the town currently, and activities they enjoy.

At various points throughout the day, the team were joined by MP Mark Eastwood, as well as Councillors Eric Firth and Cathy Scott, both Cabinet Members and councillors from Dewsbury East Ward.

Councillor Eric Firth, Cabinet Member for Transport and ward councillor for Dewsbury East, says:

“Culture is a key part of what we’re trying to achieve here in Dewsbury.  We have such a thriving culture in and around the town, including a fantastic musical scene.  As we work to help our economy thrive and also make Dewsbury a better place to live and work, this is such a beautiful thing to tap into.  Over the next year we want to support more local artists, and bring the joy of music to more people in Kirklees – whatever that means for them.”

What’s happening next?

An exciting programme of events and activities is currently being developed across the year, including Woven, the Festival of Conversations, and Kirklees Year of Music.  We’re working with lots of local live music venues and artists to provide a huge range of opportunities for people to enjoy music – or even get involved in making it!

We’re currently working with the Leggers Inn to support a fantastic Dewsbury Pride event, the Socialist Club to develop some new open mic nights, and Dewsbury Town Hall to set up some amazing jazz and live cinema events throughout the year.

We’ll also be developing a programme of workshops for young people, again working with local artists and providing opportunities for people to take part at all levels.

How can I get involved?

You can find out more about our upcoming programme of events through the Kirklees Year of Music, and you can watch out for more updates here and on our social media! We’re also on the lookout for amazing local performers, venues, and everything in between.  If you’d like to put yourself or your business forward, we’d love to hear from you!  You can also find opportunities through the Kirklees Year of Music, or get in touch with us directly