This article was published in 2009.

A new festival celebrating local, home-grown talent, showcasing live music and exhibiting artwork will launch in Holbeck on Saturday, 1st August – Yorkshire Day.

Holbeck Music and Arts Festival is a free one-day event which will launch in the Holbeck Urban Village at 1pm.

The festival will feature a show-stopping line-up including acoustic sensation Nicky Phillips, indie band The Irregulars, blues brothers Midnight Special, indie rockers Silvertin and Kinch, and Wooden Bolts. It will also provide a platform for local and emerging artists to showcase their artwork.

The community event is the brainchild of Holbeck locals, Lee Clarke and David Kelly of music company, Soul Union Promotions and aims to promote grassroots creativity in the region.

The event has come to fruition following the collaboration between Soul Union Promotions, Leeds City Council and local Holbeck businesses, The Midnight Bell, The Engine House and The Foundry. The event will spill out onto Wonderwood, a new contemporary art+park custom-built for Holbeck Urban Village.

Organiser, Lee Clarke said: “We’re delighted to launch the very first free Holbeck Music and Arts Festival, especially on Yorkshire Day. We’re keen to promote home-grown talent and provide the local community with free, quality entertainment.

“We hope this will be the start of an annual music and arts event here in Holbeck.”

A BBQ will be provided and artwork will be available to purchase with all profits going straight to the respective artist.

For further information about the event visit www.myspace.com/holbeckmusicandartsfestival.