A poet, performer, radical and teacher based in Bradford, Beckett was deeply connected with the cultural output of Bradford during the 1980s and 90s, in his capacity of General Secretary of The 1in12 Club as well as with his involvement with Bradford Literary Festival. Local performers including New Model Army, Chumbawamba and poetry troupe Chanters ‘n’ Ranters all came through The 1in12 during his time at club. He also was a founding member of The Monster Raving Looney Party and served as the Shadow Minister of Mental Health, standing in several Bradford by-elections. His band The Psycho Surgeons toured the UK and Europe for over twenty years, until his death in 2007.

Produced by Run of The Mill History, an artist-led project by Jude Kershaw dedicated to highlighting radical, queer and minority histories, this was the first event in a series aimed at preserving Willi’s legacy and highlighting his contribution to the city.

Performers were selected from throughout 1in12’s history, friends and band mates of Willi’s alongside radical new performers coming through the scene today. Attendees had the chance to explore The 1in12 Club and contribute any memories they had of Willi to be archived as part of the wider project.

This event is part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, and is presented by an organisation involved in Bradford 2025’s Elevate programme, which aims to strengthen, sustain and increase the agility of Bradford’s heritage sector.