Corinne Bailey Rae has been announced as the headliner for the pilot of WX Live, a series of concerts taking place at Wakefield Exchange (WX).
Presented by Wakefield Council, the new programme of live music in the multi-use space endeavours to bring world-class live music experiences to the City.
Renowned English singer, songwriter and musician, Leeds-born Corinne Bailey Rae shot to stardom with her self-titled no. 1 UK debut album in 2006, featuring the global hits ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star’. Over the course of her career, Bailey Rae has released four critically acclaimed studio records, sold over 10 million albums worldwide, worked with a wide range of music legends such as Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and more whilst earning an array of awards including two Grammys (and six nominations), two MOBOS, two Mercury Music Prizes, and a BET Award for Best International Act.
2023 saw Bailey Rae release her fourth full-length album, Black Rainbows, inspired by her time at the Stony Islands Arts Bank, the Chicago-based archive of black arts and culture, that showcases an exciting artistic evolution and exploration of new sonic landscapes. WX Live are thrilled to have Corinne Bailey Rae on board as the headliner of the programme’s pilot concert, celebrating a shared passion for the exciting new music and thriving creativity in West Yorkshire.
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.
Wakefield Exchange and WX Live will be sharing more acts and further details very soon.The Exchange has been funded by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Cultural Development Fund.
Corinne Bailey Rae: “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”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport: “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.”
https://www.wxwakefield.co.uk/
Main image by Jazz Jennings taken at Live at Leeds 2024 for Leeds Living.
