Bradford’s St George’s Hall is bracing itself for an invasion of the tartan army when Scotland’s much-loved entertainers The Proclaimers come to the city next month.

Last time the pair rocked the packed hall, the foot-stomping shook the foundations.

“That’s why we’re coming back. It was some years ago now, but we remembered it. What a night!” says Craig Reid.

The brothers, who are showcasing their latest album Like Comedy on the UK tour, have just got through a hectic season of festival gigs, but fans of Yorkshire soap Emmerdale will be able to see them on their TV screens next week when they put in a guest appearance at Home Farm’s music festival.

Producers drafted The Proclaimers in as headliners for an episode during its 40th anniversary week and, according to Craig, it was almost as good as the real thing, with an audience of about 100 being moved about en masse so they could be digitally ‘cloned’ to make them look like thousands!

“We enjoy the festivals outdoors, but indoors can be just as good – you don’t get rained on and you know at those gigs people have come especially to see you,” adds Craig.

Because there is a core of committed followers who will turn up for multiple shows on a tour, the play lists for gigs are changed regularly, with a mix of new and old tracks: “It keeps us sharp,” he says.

Expect to hear classics such as Sunshine On Leith, (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles, Letter From America, I’m On My Way, King Of The Road and Let’s Get Married.

“We had a new album out in May and we’re very proud of it, but it’s just a record. It’s the live stuff that is the main stay of what we do,” says Craig.

The Bradford gig comes towards the end of a 29-date tour of the UK – the last of the year will be New Year’s Eve at Stirling Castle.

If all goes to plan, the brothers are hoping to grab time out from the gigs to go to Edinburgh to see a new film called Sunshine On Leith being shot. The film, featuring their songs put to the story of two soldier brothers returning from Afghanistan, is heading to big screens straight from the stage, where it has been a hit show.

Asked if they had fancied starring roles, Craig said: “That’s probably best left to the acting professionals!”

The Proclaimers will be at St George’s Hall on Saturday, November 10. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.

  • With the success of their acclaimed debut album Hig Bright Morning and atmospheric live performances, Edinburgh band Blueflint have built a strong following.

Their new album, Maudy Tree, has raised their profile further, and next month there’s chance to see what they’re all about when they support The Proclaimers at St George’s Hall.

The sound of Blueflint is defined by the close harmonies of Deborah Arnott and Clare Neilson, whose voices interweave in ballads and songs of eerie melancholy and heartfelt charm. For more about the band, visit blueflint.org.uk.