80s Classical returns to Millennium Square in July 2024 with some very special guests

Bananarama will headline the fifth edition of 80s Classical 2024 which returns to Millennium Square, 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 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 40th 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 40th anniversary celebrations” says 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” adds 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 says “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 adds “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-imaging 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. 

Full event, venue ticketing, visitor and accessibility information visit www.millsqleeds.com