Stage at the Lake: Celebrate Emerging Talent in Calderdale

Welcome to Yorkshire

Inspiration • July 16th, 2026

This summer, the vibrant cultural scene in Calderdale is set to shine with a brand-new event called ‘Stage at the Lake’. This four-day celebration, running from 13 to 16 August 2026, will feature a variety of performances, including theatre, comedy, classical music, and live music from emerging artists. One of the highlights of the festival will be ‘Debut at the Lake: The Budding Stage’, taking place on Friday, 14 August, at the picturesque Shibden Park, which is celebrating 100 years of public ownership.

Exciting Line-Up of Local Talent

The ‘Budding Stage’ promises an exciting day filled with performances from some of West Yorkshire's most promising musicians. The event aims to showcase new talent and provide opportunities for local artists to perform alongside established UK acts. The confirmed line-up is a mix of genres and styles, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Some of the artists performing include:

Doogle - A folky pop musician known for his engaging performances.
Grow - A rock quartet with a sound reminiscent of the 70s.
Adelaide Taylor - A talented singer-songwriter and pianist.
Daphne Jay - The youngest performer of the day at just 13 years old.
Lady Leshurr - A well-known rapper and singer whose hit song ‘Queen's Speech’ has gained millions of streams.
A Day On Venus - A seven-piece band mixing neo-soul with UK club grooves.

The Incident

Young woman in denim overalls playing guitar on outdoor stage

honey from CalderGroove

Young man in thoughtful pose against stone wall with mannequin head

Herbie May

Man in a football shirt passionately cheering in a dimly lit room

Doogle

Four people standing on a wooden bridge in a lush greenhouse

Fresh

This diverse array of talent reflects the rich musical heritage in Calderdale and the surrounding areas. The event is co-curated by CalderGroove Youth Music Collective and the Grassroots Music Network, both dedicated to fostering the next generation of musicians.

Supporting Emerging Artists

Young Music Leader Honey Andrews from CalderGroove expressed enthusiasm about the event:

“Debut at the Lake is an amazing opportunity to shine a spotlight onto the incredible emerging talent we have across Calderdale and West Yorkshire. Our work at CalderGroove is dedicated to creating opportunities for young musicians.”

Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member for Public Services, Cllr Peter Hunt, also highlighted the significance of music in the community, saying:

“Music is a growing part of Calderdale’s identity, bringing local people together and attracting visitors from far and wide.”

The festival not only aims to entertain but also to strengthen community ties and promote local culture.

Family-Friendly Festival

‘Stage at the Lake’ is designed to be a family-friendly event, making it accessible to all ages. The festival will feature a mix of ticketed and free events, with free entry for children under 16. This approach ensures that families can enjoy a day out without the worry of high costs. The beautiful lakeside setting of Shibden Park adds to the charm of the festival, making it a perfect spot for a summer outing.

As part of the ‘Seasons of Culture - Nature 2026’ initiative, this festival aims to celebrate the creativity and heritage of the region. It is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the arts while appreciating the natural beauty of Calderdale.

Get Involved

Tickets for ‘Debut at the Lake: The Budding Stage’ are already on sale, and more information about the event can be found on the official website. The festival promises to be a fantastic celebration of music and culture, showcasing the talents of emerging artists and providing a platform for their future success.