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Between May 2025 and March 2026, WYMN convened a series of open forums in Wakefield, Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Huddersfield as well as sessions online, to test the emerging evidence and to identify place-specific barriers and opportunities across West Yorkshire’s music ecosystem.
Participants included artists, grassroots promoters, venue managers, musicians, sound engineers, education providers and cultural leaders. The Open Forums were targeted towards anyone working in, creating or supporting music in West Yorkshire. Alongside public engagement activity, the development of this Action Plan has also been informed through ongoing review and discussion with West Yorkshire Music Network Steering Group members, Working Groups, and wider sector stakeholders representing a range of disciplines, career stages and organisational perspectives across the region.
The Action Plan sets out how West Yorkshire Combined Authority, local authorities, education providers, industry bodies and the music community can work together to strengthen the region's music ecosystem.
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The following six themes were identified through engagement with the sector:
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Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“West Yorkshire’s music scene is shimmering with talent, but too often our homegrown artists face unfair barriers – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The West Yorkshire Music Network has put forward concrete proposals for how we can help more of our hardworking and talented creatives to make it here.
We will consider these recommendations as part of our creative industries plan and partnership work with the Great North Creative group of Mayors.”
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​ ​ The documents are available in the following formats:
Regional Action Plan and Full Report – the complete publication, including the Action Plan and supporting research.
Regional Action Plan Only – a standalone version of the Action Plan.
Text Only – a plain text version of the Action Plan and Full Report, designed to improve accessibility
West Yorkshire Music Network: Regional Action Plan and Full Report
West Yorkshire Music Network: Regional Action Plan
Text Only - West Yorkshire Music Network: Regional Action Plan and Full Report
The West Yorkshire Music Network Action Plan was authored by Josephine Sillars, with strategic guidance and support from James Warrender and Tony Ereira, informed by evidence, insights and recommendations gathered through the Network’s outreach sessions, Working Groups and Steering Group. The Action Plan reflects the collective contributions of the many artists, organisations, venues, educators and industry professionals who shared their expertise and experience throughout the consultation process. The final report was authored by Caroline Hansell, taken from research, evidence and supporting materials provided by the West Yorkshire Music Network delivery team.
The authors would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Harkirit Boparai, who was instrumental in the development of both the Network and this Action Plan.
We would like to thank Create Britain, Come Play With Me, Leeds Conservatoire and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge and perspectives throughout the development of this work.