Bradford's 70th Festival of Remembrance is to be hosted by Bradford Cathedral for the first time this November. The annual civic event has had to move to the cathedral while its usual home of St George's Hall is being refurbished. The move means that the significant event in the city's calendar which attracts hundreds can go ahead in an important year during which the cityhas been commemorating the Battle of the Somme and remembering the thousands of Bradford Pals who lost their lives or who were injured.
The city’s Festival of Remembrance takes place on Sunday 6 November at 5pm and it will be a free event with everybody welcome. The programme will include Festival favourites the City of Bradford Brass Band (pictured) under Director Lee Skipsey; and soprano Claire McKay will be singing and leading community singing; they will be joined by the wonderful Cathedral Choir and there will also be the traditional Parade of Standards and Act of Remembrance. Claire McKay is a mezzo-soprano who performs a range of singing styles, including early music, opera, soul and blues. She has led the community singing at the Bradford Service of Remembrance since 2012.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Geoff Reid, said: "We are delighted that the Festival of Remembrance will still go ahead this year. It will be a fantastic event as usual and I’m sure it will be at home in the beautiful surroundings of Bradford Cathedral. Because there is no need to reserve or buy tickets we are asking people to save the date in their diaries so they don’t miss out on this moving event.”
The Dean of Bradford Cathedral the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, said: "We were very happy to give this important event a home this year, especially as we remember the Somme and what this means for the people of Bradford. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the Cathedral in November.”