80s icons Bananarama to headline Leeds’ open-air symphonic spectacular

Bananarama will headline the fifth edition of 80s Classical which returns to Millennium Square in Leeds as part of next year’s Summer Series on Saturday 20 July 2024.

The iconic 80s pop duo made up of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward will be joined at the event by several yet to be announced original feature artists together with Leeds’ very own Orchestra of Opera North for a trip back to the musically momentous decade, taking their chart-topping hits to new heights with the expanded power of a 50-piece symphony orchestra for the very first time.

With an illustrious career spanning over four decades and recently having celebrated their 40^th anniversary, Bananarama’s achievements speak for themselves, with two Band Aid appearances and an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female band worldwide with the most charting singles. The legendary British duo have achieved unparalleled global acclaim propelled by four US Billboard Top 10’s including a No. 1 with Venus, releasing 12 studio albums and selling over 30 million records.

“We are so excited to be involved in such a unique and exciting concert which is a fitting way to continue our 40^th anniversary celebrations” said Sara. “Leeds is such a vibrant city to visit and perform in and we can’t wait to take to the stage in the iconic Millennium Square with such a talented array of musicians on what is going to be a truly magical occasion for everyone” added Keren.

Organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with Opera North, the creative team behind 80s Classical is renowned composer, arranger and conductor Cliff Masterson together with long-time collaborator and Musical Director Steve Anderson. Steve, who has recently been out in Las Vegas producing the first ever residency show for Kylie Minogue said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to announce and welcome Bananarama into the 80s Classical family and we can’t wait for everyone to see them perform with a live orchestra for the very first time alongside the magnificent Orchestra of Opera North”. Cliff added: “Everyone knows the iconic songs of Bananarama as true legends of such a generation defining era and we are so thrilled and grateful to be trusted with the responsibility of re-imagining such cherished songs. With a brand-new show for 2024 and more special guest artists to be announced, this is set to be yet another epic night of drama and excitement in Leeds not to be missed."

Tickets for 80s Classical go on sale from 10am on Friday 17 November via millsqleeds.com (0113 376 0318) and operanorth.co.uk (0113 223 3600). Standing tickets are priced at £36.85, with a limited amount of reserved seating available at £45.65. A VIP/express bar upgrade is available for an additional £11.00.

Set in a specially created outdoor arena on Millennium Square, the event on Saturday 20 July 2024 will open from 6.30pm, with DJs from 6.45pm and the main performances starting from 8.15pm. A licensed bar and several street food catering concessions will be available on site and the venue is also fully accessible with a raised viewing platform, disabled toilets and a Changing Places unit.

Further special guest feature artists announcement will take place over the coming days and for full event, venue ticketing, visitor and accessibility information visit www.millsqleeds.com

ENDS

For further information and images, please contact, for Millennium Square:

Estelle Guiheneuc-Martin, Events Promotions & Audience Development Officer
Estelle.martin@leeds.gov.uk | 0113 378 5856

For Leeds City Council:

Stuart Robinson, Communications Officer
stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk | 0113 378 9182

For Opera North:

Julia O’Sullivan, Head Of Communications And Digital
julia.o'sullivan@operanorth.co.uk

Notes to editors:

Millennium Square Summer Series

The annual Millennium Square Summer Series takes place over 5 weekends throughout July and early August. Organised by Leeds City Council and partners, the event features a jam-packed programme of live outdoor music concerts and community festivals. For full event listings and further details visit www.millsqleeds.com

The Orchestra of Opera North 

The Orchestra of Opera North holds a unique place among British orchestras as the only ensemble with a year-round dual role in the opera house and concert hall, regularly performing major symphonic repertoire with international guest conductors and soloists. The Orchestra has a strong commitment to educational and community projects, increasing accessibility and encouraging new audiences and the musicians of tomorrow.