Corinne Bailey Rae to Headline First ‘WX Live’ Concert in Wakefield

Corinne Bailey Rae will headline the pilot of WX Live at Wakefield Exchange on Saturday 18 October 2025, kicking off a brand-new series of concerts for the city.

Reflecting on her involvement, she said: “I’m so excited to be the first artist to headline Wakefield Exchange, and to be a part of launching this new space for people in Wakefield to come and enjoy live music and the arts. It’s always special for us to be able to play at home in West Yorkshire and I can’t wait to perform a very special show xx”

Presented by Wakefield Council, WX Live is a new programme of live music events in the multi-use Wakefield Exchange (WX) space, aiming to bring world-class music experiences to the city. Corinne Bailey Rae, the renowned Leeds-born singer, songwriter and musician, shot to fame with her self-titled no. 1 UK debut album in 2006, which included the global hits ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star’.

“Thrilled”

Over her career, she has released four critically acclaimed studio albums, sold over 10 million records worldwide, and collaborated with music legends such as Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige, and Stevie Wonder. Her accolades include two Grammy Awards (and six nominations), two MOBOS, two Mercury Prize nominations, and a BET Award for Best International Act.

Her most recent release, Black Rainbows (2023), was inspired by her time at the Stony Islands Arts Bank, a Chicago-based archive of Black arts and culture, and marked an artistic evolution exploring new sonic landscapes. WX Live are thrilled to have her onboard as the headliner for the pilot event, which celebrates the region’s thriving creativity and musical identity.

Image: Mark Newton

“Inspiring”

WX Live is an inspiring new programme that hopes to introduce regular live music events on a scale that don’t otherwise exist in the city for the people of Wakefield. Bringing invaluable experience from 2019’s award-winning Festival of The Moon, Wakefield Council are launching WX Live with this flagship concert at Wakefield Exchange; with plans to showcase more incredible music from around the world and put Wakefield on the UK’s live music map.

Opened in February 2025, Wakefield Exchange has been hosting events, exhibitions and performances for local people of all ages, seven days a week. As well as its impressive event space, WX houses a community of independent businesses, studio space for digital and creative enterprises, co-working space and a canteen featuring five rotating street food vendors.

WX has an exciting line-up of events this Autumn, kicking off with Oktoberfest on the 3rd & 4th of October, bringing world-class beer, street food, live entertainment and a party atmosphere, followed by Northern Soul: Keeping the Faith on October 11th, where an all-star DJ lineup will spin 100% original vinyl for a day full of dancing. Halloween will take over WX with adults invited to get into the spooky spirit at their Day of the Dead Party on October 31st, and music lovers can join in a lively singalong at the Sea Shanty event on the 7th of November. Rounding off the season, WX will take part in Light Up Wakefield from 21st–23rd of November by hosting Ship of the Gods by acclaimed visual artists Heinrich & Palmer, an immersive installation bringing the legendary shape-shifting ship Skidbladnir to life in a truly otherworldly experience.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Wakefield Exchange is fast becoming a vibrant hub where local communities and visitors come together to enjoy unforgettable events. Its transformation into a venue capable of hosting large-scale music gigs marks a significant milestone in enhancing our district’s cultural landscape.

This exciting development opens the door to nationally recognised artists performing in Wakefield, while also welcoming new audiences and creating fresh opportunities for local artists.”

Tickets for Corinne Bailey Rae are on sale now via wxwakefield.co.uk.