One of the country's leading figures in race relations, Lord Herman Ouseley, has become the first patron of Bradford the Musical.
The former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality produced the Bradford Race Review in 2001, which recommended more support for "the many excellent and positive initiatives" run by community and youth organisations as beacons for the future of the district.
Lord Ouseley, who is also chairman of football's Kick it Out anti-racism campaign, said: "When I completed the Bradford Race Review I said there needed to be more opportunities for the different cultures of Bradford to come together.
"Music, dance and rhythm are something that all cultures share and Bradford the Musical is using this to help break down the barriers between communities.
"I believe it will make a real difference to future cultural relations in the district and I would encourage everyone - citizens, community leaders, business people and decision makers - to get behind it."
The Bradford the Musical project incorporates shows over the next two years which will involve thousands of people.
The first performance, at the Bradford Festival in Centenary Square on Friday, June 17, will feature 300 singers, dancers and drummers. It will be repeated at the Mela the following day.
Co-producer Ron Wiener said that it is predicted that 60 per cent of the performers will be white, a quarter will be Asian and 15 per cent will be African/ African-Caribbean.
The Bradford Race Review was ordered by Bradford Vision, Bradford Council and other groups to recommend ways of promoting race relations and equal opportunities.
Mr Wiener said: "The idea for a people's musical came from Lord Ouseley's report and the desire to bring people together through a creative project.
"The communities of Bradford have been fragmented in recent years, Bradford the Musical is a chance to bring people together and chart a positive way forward for the district. We are delighted that Lord Ouseley has agreed to be our first patron."
l For more about Bradford the Musical ring Tony Lidington on (01274) 546177 or visit
www.bradfordthemusical.com.
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