Ultimate 80s celebration returns to Millennium Square

The 80s Classical event brings together some of the most celebrated artists of the decade, performing their biggest hits live on stage with the mighty 50-piece Orchestra of Opera North, arranged and conducted by maestro extraordinaire Cliff Masterson.

This year’s line-up welcomes back the most-charted British female solo act of the 80s, singer, DJ, and television presenter Kim Wilde. From her smash 1981 debut Kids in America to her Billboard Hot 100-topping You Keep Me Hangin’ On and her 1988 hit You Came, Kim has achieved over 10 million album and 20 million single sales worldwide.

Joining the 80s Classical line-up for the first time, the amazing Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals will mesmerise everyone with unforgettable tracks like She Drives Me Crazy and Good Thing.

Roland said:  ‘I’m looking forward to joining 80’s classical for the very first time. It’s always great knowing people want to hear my songs and I’m pleased to be singing them in the Millennium square where I’ll be accompanied by a full size symphony orchestra; it should be a good night out. See you there, in the square."

Also taking to the stage for the first time is the soul sensation Jaki Graham, the British singer-songwriter behind classics like Set Me Free and her incredible cover of Chaka Khan’s 1983 hit Ain’t Nobody.

Returning for a third time around to delight the crowds after their show-stopping performances in 2021 and 2023, the fantastic English pop duo Go West will once again light up Millennium Square.

With accolades like the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 1986 and decades of international popularity, Go West will perform hits like We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, and King of Wishful Thinking — famously featured in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman (1990).

Organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with Opera North, 80s Classical is brought to life by renowned composer, arranger, and conductor Cliff Masterson, alongside his long-time collaborator and Musical Director, Steve Anderson.

Cliff said: “We’re thrilled that 80s Classical is becoming a tradition at Millennium Square. This year, we’re excited to welcome back fantastic artists like Kim Wilde and Go West, as well as introduce the incredible Roland Gift and Jaki Graham to the 80s Classical family. Together with the Opera North Orchestra, this promises to be another epic night and a must-see 80s hits extravaganza in Leeds.”

The brilliant 80s Classical ensemble of backing vocalists — Bianca Claxton, Nathan James and Adetoun Anibi — also return to perform a plethora of 80s anthems and crowd-pleasing favourites.

Audiences can expect an electrifying evening as 80s legends perform their timeless hits, accompanied by the rich, symphonic sounds of the Orchestra of Opera North. Millennium Square will come alive as fans sing along to the soundtrack of the 80s, creating a shared experience like no other.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “It’s amazing to see Opera North returning to Millennium Square and to be bringing another unforgettable musical occasion to the heart of Leeds.

"Millennium Square a unique and fantastic place to watch a live performance and the perfect venue to showcase the depth and talent of our local musicians in spectacular fashion. These events are always one of the highlights of our vibrant calendar of events in Leeds, and I’m sure this will be no different.”

Tickets for 80s Classical are on sale now via millsqleeds.com (0113 376 0318) and operanorth.co.uk (0113 223 3600). Standing tickets are priced at £38.50, with a limited amount of reserved seating available at £47.85 (inclusive of booking fees). 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 26 July 2025 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.  

ENDS