A PROG rock legend will play a concert in Bradford Cathedral this Christmas to raise funds for the building.

Ian Anderson, of Jethro Tull, will be performing The Christmas Jethro Tull concert in the Cathedral on Friday, December 15.

Although not a Christian himself, Mr Anderson is known to play cathedrals around the country, and donate the takings to them to help with their upkeep.

Jethro Tull, who first formed in the 1960s, have sold more than 60 million albums, and are considered one of the most important and influential prog rock bands. The Bradford concert will mix Tull classics with Christmas carols.

Mr Anderson, whose one-legged, flute playing pose has become an iconic rock image, says he enjoys the challenge of playing cathedrals and their “cavernous spaces”.

He added: “Whether your Christmas is a secular affair of gift-giving and family togetherness or a more worshipful recognition of one of the two biggest days in the Christian calendar, join us for some uplifting Christmas spirit, music, readings and maybe even a prayer or two.”

Despite being a non-believer, the prog rock hero says he has a “huge affinity for the deeds and traditions” of Christianity.

He added: “The bringing together of people of all backgrounds, cultures and faiths in this way is possible, perhaps, only under the auspices of modern Christianity, especially the Anglican Church. So, if I can help to draw people in to these beautiful and historic buildings to savour just a little of the spirit of Christmas, it seems like a worthwhile effort.”

The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, said: “He has a real feel for the financial burden of keeping these buildings going, and also their heritage. He loves playing gigs in these kinds of places at Christmas.

“Really what they are doing is giving us a massive Christmas gift, all the money will go towards helping the Cathedral pay its way, and for that we are incredibly grateful to him.

“In the past few years we have had to raise something like three quarters of a million pounds to make sure the building is kept in good condition, and that is not something that ever stops.

“Cathedrals across the country tend to be hosting a lot more concerts, including secular ones.”

Previous Christmases have seen the band play Lincoln, Worcester and Sailsbury Cathedrals. As well as Bradford, they will also play Durham Cathedral this Christmas.

For tickets, visit bradford-cathedral.ticketlight.co.uk