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HERD musical and sculptural project (11th to 16th July)

About the event

Embark on a musical and sculptural odyssey of epic proportions with HERD: a spectacular sonic feast for the eyes and the ears.

HERD is a ground-breaking project devised by composer Orlando Gough and produced by leading arts production company Artichoke as part of Kirklees Year of Music 2023.

This vast, multi-layered, musical odyssey and exhibition – 18 months in the making – is a unique collaboration between artists and local people. It traces the cultural and industrial story of Kirklees, through its many musical traditions, past, present, and future.

From 11-16 July, a series of original soundscapes will echo across Kirklees, punctuated by the music of hundreds of local musicians.

HERD begins with a single giant mother sheep (Aina), broadcasting her soundscape into the distance. Over six days, 23 larger-than-life sheep sculptures of various sizes will appear across Kirklees, each singing their own individual soundscape. As the week progresses, the sheep will move from more rural locations into the towns, their sounds reflecting a more urban and industrial reality as they go.

Look out for appearances in Batley, Cleckheaton, Dewsbury, Mirfield, Slaithwaite, and elsewhere. The HERD will finally arrive in St George’s Square, Huddersfield on Sunday 16 July for an epic sonic spectacle, that will bring together all the hundreds of musical contributors for a stunning concluding performance of five specially-commissioned future songs for Kirklees.

Why sheep? The history of Kirklees is rooted in the textile industry. Wool and water brought succeeding generations to work in the mills, bringing with them their own unique musical traditions. HERD weaves a captivating tale of movement and sound, industry and labour, and pays homage to the profound influence of the wool trade on the rich tapestry of Yorkshire and its people.

Please click on the link under Further Information for more details.

Dates and venues

  • Tuesday 11 July 2023 , HERD begins with a single giant mother sheep ‘Aina’ in St George’s Square, Huddersfield on Tuesday 11 July, broadcasting her soundscape into the distance.
  • Wednesday 12 July 2023 , Today includes at Castle Hill in Huddersfield
  • Thursday 13 July 2023 , Today includes at Meltham Greenway; Oakwell Hall & Gardens; Thornhill Rectory Park.
  • Friday 14 July 2023 , Today includes at: Bank Bottom Mill; Slaithwaite Lock; Milnsbridge Lock; Mirfield Newgate Weir. Plus, keep an eye out for some floating friends along the narrow and broad canals!
  • Saturday 15 July 2023 , Today sheep will travel through the towns of Batley, Dewsbury and Cleckheaton
  • Sunday 16 July 2023 - 12:00pm, From 12pm: The whole HERD will come together in St George’s Square, Huddersfield. Then at 5pm: Live finale event in St George’s Square, with five new songs for Kirklees. Free-to-attend, no ticket required

Further information

Documents

Themes

Art, crafts and hobbies Art and craft-related items, including exhibitions, sales and workshops. Also, hobbies like modelling and collecting.
Music Kirklees has a culture rich in all forms of music: At a glance under Events: Concerts, shows, workshops etc relating to music of all kinds.