By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Council has announced who will form the board and run the show for the Year of Music 2023.

Linking into Yorkshire’s plans for a Year of Culture in 2023, Kirklees has designated the same period as a time to shine a spotlight on the richness and diversity of music in the region.

In the post-pandemic world, organisers say they want to welcome in visitors from near and far for a year-long celebration of music where everyone is encouraged to experiment, learn, listen, and enjoy.

Following their formation, the board says they aim to lead and support the delivery of the Year of Music’s vision, aims and objectives, as well as actively participating in the development of the programme.

Members also represent different interests from health and wellbeing to education, industry, tourism, community and the arts and will advise and make recommendations on activities that could form part of the programme.

The Board

The members of the board are as follows: –

Councillor Paul Davies, Kirklees Council.

Hilary Thompson, Chair Third Sector Leaders.

Qaisar Mahmood, CEO, Radio Sangam and CEO Communities Together.

Steven Roberts, Conductor, Adjudicator, Educator – Secondary School, VCS Music Community and Chair of the National Federation of Festivals.

Matt Bell, Managing Director, The Turntable.

Nic Clear, Dean of Arts & Humanities, University of Huddersfield.

David Birkenshaw, Medical Director, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

Sophie Simpson, Co-Founder and CEO, Conscious Youth.

Michael Blair, an American Singer-Songwriter, will also be lending his experience as an independent international advisor. Michael has previously sat on the advisory board of SXSW Festival (South by South West) in Austin, Texas.

Sophie, through her work with Conscious Youth and as part of her role on the board, will additionally be supporting a young person to take a leadership role on the board itself.

She described it as “vital” that young people be at the heart of the project and that she is “looking forward” to working with and supporting whoever takes the leadership role.

‘A District of World Class Music’

Colin Parr, Strategic Director responsible for Culture and Events, said: “I am pleased to announce the board for the exciting Year of Music 2023. Kirklees is a district of world-class music that stands proud on its rich and diverse musical heritage.

“With so much to offer in terms of music and fantastic homegrown talent, the Year of Music will create a vibrant soundtrack played in the hearts and homes in all our towns and villages throughout 2023.

“I look forward to seeing the board work collaboratively with our communities in shaping the programme and supporting the delivery, in the lead up to and throughout 2023, and putting Kirklees, as a music destination, firmly on the map.”

‘Recognising the Role Music Plays’

Board Member, David Birkenshaw, Medical Director at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is important to recognise the role music plays on our health and wellbeing, across all ages, in all communities.

“Music has always been an important part of my life and I have personal experience of this.

“As the Board Member and advocate for this agenda, I am excited to see what we can do together for Year of Music and beyond.”

The board will be operational from Autumn 2021 until 2024 ensuring a sustainable legacy for the programme.