1 Apr 2026 Community

Students Unite Through Music to Support The Kirkwood

A group of passionate students from the University of Huddersfield are preparing to host a unique live music event at the end of April, bringing together creativity, collaboration and community spirit in support of The Kirkwood.

The event, organised entirely by students across a range of music courses, will showcase a diverse mix of genres, performances and experiences, all with the aim of raising vital funds and awareness for The Kirkwood and the care it provides to people and families across Kirklees.

Tom Proctor, who is studying Creative Music Production, has been heavily involved in coordinating performers and communicating with artists. He said: “We don’t have strict job roles as we’ve all been helping each other out, but I’ve mainly been making arrangements with confirmed performers and reaching out to potential talent.”

Looking ahead to the event, Tom added: “I’m excited to deliver something that feels quite unique. With a varied list of genres and different vendors, I think the event will stand out in a music scene that is very crowded.”

Reflecting on his connection to The Kirkwood, he said: “I am very proud to be connected to The Kirkwood. If you’re in a more privileged position, it should be expected that you help others, it feels good to put that into action.”

He also spoke honestly about how his understanding has grown: “Before this placement, I couldn’t have told you what hospice care really was. But hearing from residents, families and the community, it’s clear that The Kirkwood is a crucial part of Kirklees.”

Wing Lam Audrey Chow, a final-year Music Performance student, has been leading on promotional materials for the event. She said: “It’s a new experience for me and I’m very excited. The Kirkwood is such a meaningful community charity, and we want to use this event to share that message with young people.”

After visiting the hospice, she was struck by its atmosphere: “The place was very nice and welcoming. I could see people enjoying their time there, it felt warm and positive. It showed me that The Kirkwood supports people not just medically, but emotionally and socially too.”

She added: “We hope this event will help more people understand what The Kirkwood does and raise important funding for the charity.”

Ieuan Humphreys, who studies Sound Engineering and Music Production, said he was inspired to get involved after hearing about the project in a lecture: “I was really moved by the story and knew I wanted to contribute. It’s a great opportunity to bring people together in support of something so important.”

He continued: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of it, I’ve been telling friends and family about it for months. Even walking past one of The Kirkwood shops sparks conversations about the project.”

Ieuan also spoke about how the experience changed his perception of hospice care: “People often assume hospices are dark or gloomy, I used to think that myself. But after visiting The Kirkwood, I saw something completely different. It was warm, welcoming, and full of life. I’d love more people to see that side of it.”

Daniel Urueta echoed the importance of awareness, saying: “It’s about bringing attention to an organisation that is purely about community and making a difference in people’s lives.”

He added: “Visiting The Kirkwood and speaking to Mary really opened my eyes to what they do. If more people understand what The Kirkwood offers, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

For Nina Booth, a final-year student studying Music and Sound for Screen, the project holds a deeply personal meaning: “After losing my mum to cancer, I really wanted to be part of something that served a bigger cause than just university coursework.”

She continued: “Music can uplift and create connection between people, and I’m excited to be part of a day that celebrates that while supporting The Kirkwood.”

Nina added: “I feel extremely lucky to be involved. Knowing the care and compassion that goes into the hospice, it means a lot to be trusted to represent them and raise awareness for something so personal to me.”

Bethany Critchett, who studies Creative Music Production, has played a key role in organising the project and liaising with The Kirkwood team: “I got involved as soon as Mary was introduced in a lecture. I even presented to other students to encourage them to take part.”

She described the experience as eye opening: “Visiting The Kirkwood really educated us all. Everyone there was so kind and it felt like a home. It’s such an important part of Kirklees, but not everyone fully understands that.”

Bethany hopes the event will help change that perception: “I want people to learn about The Kirkwood like I did, and for this to be an uplifting and enlightening evening for everyone who comes along.” The event also highlights the growing partnership between The Kirkwood and the University of Huddersfield, now in its second year.

Mary Tyrrell Place, Community Engagement Lead at The Kirkwood, said: “It’s inspiring to see such a talented group of students come together to organise this event in support of The Kirkwood.”

She added: “Their creativity and generosity will help raise both vital funds and awareness of the care we provide to people and families across Kirklees. It has been wonderful to work with the students, their passion and determination are truly inspiring.”

With the event set to take place at the end of April, the students are hoping to create something memorable, an evening filled with music, connection and purpose.

As Tom summed up: “I’m hoping to create an event that really sticks in people’s minds, raises money, and helps support The Kirkwood and the people who rely on it.”

If you'd like to go along and watch the performance you can, the details are below