By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Local Television (KLTV) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its latest documentary, Soundfest: A History of Soundsystem Culture in Huddersfield, shining a spotlight on the town’s often overlooked but hugely significant role in reggae and sound system culture.

Today, 1 October, KLTV has officially released the trailer for the film, offering audiences a first look at the story behind Huddersfield’s unique contribution to reggae and soundsystem history.

The full documentary will premiere on Saturday 13th October 2025, airing on KLTV’s African Descendants Forum.

A History of Culture and Heritage

Originating in Jamaica during the 1950s, reggae sound systems were mobile discos that brought communities together with their huge speakers, popular records, and the unique vocal style of MC ‘toasting’.

When Caribbean immigrants arrived in towns like Huddersfield in the 1960s to work in the textile industry, they brought with them this powerful musical tradition.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Huddersfield became a key destination on the British reggae map. Soundsystems such as, King Maestro, Earth Rocker and Armadgideon were as well known as the music they were playing.

The iconic Venn Street nightclub was just one of the many clubs that played host to some of the biggest names in reggae music, from the biggest singers to legendary sound systems and live bands.

So renowned was the town’s scene that many artists insisted on performing in Huddersfield whenever they toured the UK – drawn by the packed dance floors, the unmatched energy of local crowds, and the warmth of northern hospitality.

Bringing Soundsystem Culture to a New Generation

The documentary not only revisits these pivotal decades but also connects them to the present day through Huddersfield Soundfest, a new annual festival launched in 2025.

Organised by members of those same Soundsystems who played back in the day, the first annual Soundfest celebrated community through music and the enduring influence of reggae sound system culture.

Following the success of its inaugural year, the festival will return in August 2026 for its second edition, promising an even bigger celebration of Huddersfield’s musical heritage.

By capturing the voices of those who built the culture and those carrying it forward today, Soundfest: A History of Soundsystem Culture in Huddersfield aims to preserve an essential part of the town’s identity, while recognising its lasting impact on British music – from trip-hop to dubstep and beyond.

The official trailer is available to watch now, with the full documentary launching on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, on KLTV’s African Descendants Forum.

Watch live via KLTV’s website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.