AN EXCITING variety show aiming to give Muslim performers a platform will head to Bradford this weekend.

The Big Muslim Variety Show will take place at The Bradford Hotel on Hall Ings on Saturday, and will also raise money for orphans across the world.

The show, which started in London and has been held up and down the country, has been organised by Wakefield-based charity Penny Appeal.

Ridwana Wallace-Laher, who is from Bradford, is the charity’s senior director of growth.

“This show is all about coming together to have fun and do something for a good cause,” she said.

“Most of the performers are of Muslim faith, but that isn’t a requirement, and people of all faiths or none are welcome to attend.

“The show will give local artists an opportunity to perform. There’ll be a mix of everything, from nasheed artists to comedians, and from poets to beatboxers.”

Ridwana explained how important events like these are in supporting the less fortunate.

“There are millions of orphans around the globe and things like this will help them,” she said.

“Penny Appeal helps to provide them with education, food, medical needs and clothing – the basics of life, really.

“I think it’s really important that we tackle some of these issues and raise awareness of them. We know that times are hard right now, with the cost of living crisis, so we understand a lot of people can’t necessarily give money to charity at the moment.

“But there are other ways to support, for example, you can support just by telling people about our shows and fundraisers – that’s important as well.

“Costs are getting higher so people can’t ordinarily afford these things, so we’ve kept the ticket prices low on purpose, and had an early bird offer.

“So it’s good value for money, is a great chance to give support to artists showcasing their work and to raise money for charity.

“If there are any schools or community groups or who want to buy tickets in bulk, or low-income families who may struggle to afford tickets, we can arrange some complimentary deals – we’re more than happy to facilitate discounted tickets.

“If people would like to enquire about that, they can email me at ridwana.wallace-laher@pennyappeal.org.

“It’s a clean, family-friendly show, and is open to all.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://pennyappeal.org/events.