A UKRAINIAN singer who achieved worldwide success after emigrating to Bradford is returning to his adopted hometown to present a gift to the Lord Mayor.

Tino Valdi, real name Volodymyr Luciw, came to Bradford after the Second World War, settling in Saltaire. He worked at Salts Mill while training to become a singer, and went on to win a scholarship to train at the Trinity School of Music in London and the National Academy of St Cecilia in Rome.

He notably toured with entertainment icon Sir Bruce Forsyth in the 1960s and was a fixture on the cabaret scene across Europe until the 1980s, when he had to stop singing due to health problems.

Valdi performed at the Royal Albert Hall and was part of England’s winning team at the 1961 Knokke-Heist in Belgium, also known as the European Singing Competition.

Now retired and living in London, he will be returning to Bradford on Sunday for an event at the Ukrainian Club in Legrams Lane, Lidget Green. There will be a celebration of his career at the event, and Valdi will also present a specially-made piece of Ukrainian religious iconography to the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, as a gift to the city.

Eugene Nicholson, who will be hosting the event, said he is looking forward to marking Valdi’s achievements.

He said: “Tino continues to be involved with many cultural activities, and still has strong feelings towards Bradford for giving him the opportunity to develop his singing career all those years ago. He said he will always be indebted to Saltaire for giving him the first opportunity to realise his dream of becoming a professional singer.”

The event will begin at 2pm at the Ukrainian club, and will feature a ‘This is Your Life’ style presentation, compered by Mr Nicholson.

For more information about the event, call 01274 573577.