Chance to make the town true music hub

looks like and how to get there.

Projects under way include developing Kirklees as an emerging music destination; completing a community music audit to gather information about the diverse community music in the district; and consulting with the music sector to create a Kirklees music brand.

Global music Sound Diplomacy brought in to help.

The company claims to be able to boost economies, jobs, tourism and tax revenues through music.

Its CEO, Shain Shapiro, said: “Places like Kirklees often get overshadowed by larger cities, however, they are bursting with talent, creativity and musicality.

“By working closely with Kirklees Council and the Music Group, we will help them identify where they excel and advise where they can improve to be able to provide a world-class platform for musical talent and events.”

Clr Graham Turner, Portfolio Holder, said: “Showcasing our music offering shouldn’t just be local.

“We want to establish worldclass music that contributes to the identity, economy and communities of Kirklees.

“Sound Diplomacy, in particular, bring a level of international expertise to help us achieve our ambition to make Kirklees the place for music, and I am looking forward to working with them, on our ambitious plans, and I am sure we will develop a strong partnership as we work towards 2023.”

The council says a community audit is already underway with music and volunteer groups being contacted to help gather data and information about the array of music in the district, from community choirs to brass bands or singing for the brain groups.

This will help the Music Group to understand what music goes on in Kirklees, where it is, who the groups are and how activity can to be joined up across the district.

The final strand of the current work involves Leeds based marketing agency, Bonner & Hindley, who have been commissioned, thanks to cash from Kirklees’ and Leeds’ Business Rates, to consult with the music sector and create a brand about Kirklees’ music offer.

To find out more about the activity, audits or events around music and 2023, please go to www. creativekirklees.com