Year of Music 2023 is a year-long festival of music led by Kirklees Council, in partnership with musical organisations from across the district.

The council knows that participation from all the people that give Kirklees such a diverse and varied musical culture including community groups, charities, bands and schools is what will make the year a success. 

To help make the Year of Music 2023 the best it can be, help is being offered to groups to look at what community grant funding is available and to give support and guidance on applying for funding to enable them to put on events during the year.

Open to a wide range of community groups who want to collaborate with the council for the Year of Music, these workshops will help to guide participants through the funding application process and where to look for funding. The sessions are aimed at not-for-profit groups and organisations.

The workshops, funded by the council, are led by Lisa Jagger of Straight Forward Funding and previous participants have found them to be easy to follow and very helpful in their funding application journey. Workshops continue to take place throughout August via Zoom, are free to attend and are open to a person or group who wishes to contribute towards Year of Music 2023. Join one session or as many as you like.

Mrs Sunderland Musical Competition at Huddersfield Town Hall

Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “Kirklees has designated 2023 as a Year of Music for the district, as part of the Yorkshire region’s plans for a year of culture. The 2023 Year of Music will show just how exceptional and diverse music in Kirklees is.

“We hope that every group and organisation that has something to offer to the Kirklees music scene is able to take part. These workshops by Straight Forward Funding will give people and groups the tools they need to access any funding that is out there to make to help make their plans a reality.”

You can find more about the workshops and book your place over on the Creative Kirklees website. To learn more about the Year of Music 2023 visit the website.