2023 case study- Corinne Bailey Rae

As a two-time Grammy Award winner who’s sold out arenas worldwide, Corinne Bailey Rae has already helped Leeds go global.

Now, fresh off a show-stopping home city performance on Millennium Square, the multi-platinum artist has pledged her support for the city’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023.

With October’s submission deadline approaching fast, Corrinne has joined the hundreds of people from all walks of life who are backing the bid.

She said: “Performing in Leeds is always an incredible experience for me because, no matter where else I go in the world, it’ll always be home. The Millennium Square gig felt really special.

“Growing up and spending so much time in Leeds over the years, I’ve also got to know the city’s amazing music and arts scene so I’m really pleased that we’re bidding for European Capital of Culture 2023 and maybe giving some of those artists more of the spotlight they deserve.

“I’m proud to be backing the bid and I’d encourage everyone else at home to join me in doing their bit to make something truly special happen for Leeds.”

As part of her pledge, Corinne has vowed to spread the word about the bid to her tens of thousands of Twitter followers and at her gigs across the world.

Everyone in Leeds has the chance to join Corinne and pledge their support for the bid in their own way using #makeleeds2023.

Other ideas for pledges could telling 23 family and friends about the bid, sharing details about the bid with everyone on your social networks or downloading a new Maker’s Manual, which includes creative ideas for how to get involved, from the Leeds 2023 website.

Others around Leeds who have already given the bid their backing include Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones Buchannan, Leeds West Indian Carnival, Leeds Children’s Mayor and cross party councillors.

Sharon Watson, chair of the Leeds 2023 independent steering group, said: “The enthusiasm for the bid that we’ve already seen from people across Leeds has been truly inspiring and it’s clearer than ever that there’s an incredible passion for this once-in-a-generation opportunity for our city.

“With the all-important submission date now fast approaching, we’re keen to harness that collective energy and help spread the message that the bid is something that everyone, from every walk of life can be a part of.

“We’d urge as many people as possible to take this chance to get involved, pledge their support and help show the world that culture is at the absolute heart of Leeds and our communities.”

More details of how to pledge your support or where you can download a Maker’s Manual can be found at: http://leeds2023.co.uk/

ENDS