Centenary celebrations were held last night by a Bradford organisation with a history of entertaining thousands of residents.

The all-ticket event was held for 180 members of Bradford and District Concert Secretaries Federation at Little Horton Unity Club.

The federation was set up to unite committee members of Bradford’s working men clubs who organise concerts throughout the city.

In its pomp as many as 50 clubs were members but the figure has slumped to 16 now, which members argue is in part due to cheap alcohol sold at supermarkets and a consequence of the smoking ban.

But there have been signs of a steady resurgence, according to federation president Martyn Pilgrim.

The 55-year-old, of Wibsey, who has been a member of the federation for 34 years, said: “I think the entertainment we are offering is getting better.”

The acts at the centenary event – singer Sarah Dennis, comedy act Sharp Experience and Elvis impersonator Paul Somers – were popular, he said.

Attracting a consistently high quality of acts in essential to retaining members he said.

Federation secretary James Morrow, 56, of Oakenshaw, said the outbreak of hit television talent shows such as X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent may be encouraging new performers.

“When I took over three years ago there were 12 clubs and now there are 16,” he said.

Records dating back to the federation’s infant years are sketchy, but Mr Morrow said it was originally set up by eight Bradford clubs, including Lilycroft Working Men’s Club and Morley Carr Working Men’s Club.

Mr Pilgrim said he was hoping to welcome another club to its membership soon, namely Clayton Rugby Club. He said any other social clubs interested in joining the federation would be welcome at its next bi-monthly meeting at Eccleshill Working Men’s Club on Monday, June 7, starting at 7.30pm.