Businesses in the district are being urged to back a glittering gala dinner in aid of the Lord Mayor's Appeal.

The event, which aims to raise money for children's cancer charity Candlelighters, will see international opera stars descend on Bradford on Saturday, November 2.

The singers, which include principals who have worked with Opera North, will be performing Songs to Delight at the Bradford Grammar School event.

Other top musicians include a violinist who is flying in from Germany especially for the event.

Bradford-born baritone James Ashworth has helped organise the concert, which will feature light opera and songs from traditional musicals.

"This is going to be something unique to Bradford because it is classical singing in a cabaret atmosphere," he said. "They are all brilliant professionals who enjoy careers in this country, and abroad and in this beautiful setting it will be an evening to remember."

He plans to sing The Pearl Fishers duet with renowned tenor Mark Luther while the distinguished Yvonne Barclay and Maggie McDonald will also perform.

Helena Smart, who has played with the Halle Orchestra and studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, is travelling from Koln in Germany to perform and Gavin Meredith will accompany on the piano.

"The music will appeal to all people. It is not a high brow affair because there will be music to suit all tastes," said Mr Ashworth, who lives in Allerton.

"We are all really pleased to be invited to take part in such a prestigious event."

Josie Pennington, chairman of Lord Mayor Richard Wightman's Appeal, said the black tie evening starts with a champagne reception at 7pm before dinner is served.

The Telegraph & Argus is one of the main sponsors of the event and food will be provided by Chris Monkman of Ilkley, while Yorkshire Television's Geoff Druett acts as compere.

"This prestigious, all too rare event will also help promote our city's bid to become Capital of Culture and at the same time support a very worthy cause," said Mrs Pennington.

Stephen Davidson, head of Bradford Grammar School, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the gala dinner to support this year's Lord Mayor's Appeal as it further underlines the very strong links between the school and the city."

Tickets are £35 each and are available from the appeal office by calling (01274) 754965.