CHOIRS, dance groups and a brass band of Bradford are to be celebrated in a People’s Music Hall celebrating the re-opening of St George’s Hall.

Tickets for next month’s event cost from five shillings (25p) - the price theatre-goers would have paid back in 1853 when the concert venue opened.

With a line-up that includes some of Bradford’s oldest amateur performing groups, the evening of song and dance will showcase the district’s home-grown talent.

Adam Renton, general manager Bradford Theatres, said: “St George’s Hall opened in 1853 and was the first grand public building in the city. It was conceived as a place where the communities of Bradford could gather to be inspired by the world’s best music and entertainment.

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"The venue continues today to serve its original purpose to provide thoroughly good concerts with its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere. The People’s Music Hall event will be a very special evening of live entertainment and celebration.”

On the bill are:

  • The acclaimed City of Bradford Brass Band, led by musical director Lee Skipsey;
  • Katak dance from Kala Sangam arts centre, reflecting the diversity of modern Britain;
  • Dance United Yorkshire, a Bradford-based company which works with people of all ages, including troubled youngsters, through contemporary dance projects;
  • Bradford Friendship Choir, a “joyful singing sanctuary” which welcomes and supports refugees and people seeking asylum, celebrating diversity through the power of song;
  • Tranquil Productions, a company founded by Bradford breakdancer Lloyd Thompson (known as Tranquil) which teaches and performs all over the world;
  • Buttershaw St Paul’s Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, which was founded in 1932 and has performed annually at St George’s Hall since 1991;
  • and Bradford Festival Choral Society, founded in 1856, which has worked with renowned conductors and composers Edward Elgar, Charles Halle and John Rutter.

Off stage, there will be mini performances from organisations including theatre company Mind the Gap’s youth band.

The People’s Music Hall, on Sunday, June 2 at 6pm, is part of a weekend of celebrations marking this year’s re-opening of St George’s Hall following a £9.5 million refurbishment.

As revealed by the T&A, on Saturday, June 1, a Night of Variety gala concert will be headlined by Beverley Knight, with other acts including comic Sarah Millican, Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro and electric string quartet Escala.

Tickets for both events are on (01274) 432000 or bradford-theatres.co.uk.