Bradford's Big Brass Blowout Black Dyke Band

To mark Bradford's year as a British cultural city, the event begins today and ends on Sunday – promises to become a music festival.

Tonight, Zoe Ball will be holding a Radio 2 Love's Brass concert live from St. George's Hall. It will air on Radio 2 and BBC Sound will air from April 20th until 10pm.

Listeners get caught up in a musical journey from Bond themes to Banglabet with the company of the powerful Black Dyke Band, Chart-Topping Pop Legend Marty Peeler, Star Soprano Kali Paoli, Punja Brutz Academy and Bradford Cathedral choir.

Prior to the event, The Telegraph & Argus spoke with members of the Queensbury-based music agency Jon Hammond and Keith Britcliffe.

John said: “We're very excited about the performance – it's going to be great.

“We had a really good rehearsal on Wednesday, and now we look forward to being on stage at St. George Hall, a special venue like this.”

Inside St. George's hall Keith said:

“What I'm looking forward to is great. It's great for Bradford.”

Keith said the event came after a “good start of the year” for the multi-award winning Black Dyke Band, whose heritage dates back to 1855.

He states: “We held the Yorkshire Brass Band Championship a few weeks ago and won again. We have several recording sessions, we have released new albums and we have enjoyed some amazing concerts.”

Both men said Bradford's British Cultural City status was “absolutely incredible” and it was “a joy” to be part of it.

Chart Topper Maruti told T&A:

Marti Perot (Image: PA/Andrew Milligan) “We are truly looking forward to celebrating Bradford's becoming a city of British culture, playing with the incredible Black Dyke band at tonight at the iconic St. George's Hall.

“From classical music to Banglabet, we promise to be an epic night.

“When Glasgow became the capital of European culture in 1990, it was incredible for the city.

“We hope that the same light shines in the city of Bradford, which is now home to incredible diversity and culture.”

Star Soprano Kaly also spoke to T&A.

Kari Paoli (Photo: Submitted) She said: “I'm very excited to play my work.

“People can expect loud noises and thrilling experiences, and there's something for everyone.

“It's lovely to be singing with the band and have so many other musicians on stage with you, I can't wait.

“It's great to be able to play a small role in the celebration of Bradford's British Cultural District.

“I'm sure there will be more exciting events.”

She described Bradford as “lovely and beautiful,” adding, “In this weather, you wouldn't want anywhere else.”

Advances tonight's concert, Jeremy Vine aired two radio shows from Cake All Cafe in Centenary Square.

Jeremy Vine (Image: Submitted) Jeremy heard from Bradford legend Chris Kamala and concert host Zoe.

Talking to Jeremy about being in Bradford, she said: “It's outside heaven.

“The Bradford is in bloom. The flowers are out. It's the summer height in Centenary Square.

“What an atmosphere – all the kids playing in the fountain, it's glory.”

Zoeball (Photo: Submitted) Other highlights of Big Brass Blowout include a sold-out show from the Oscar-winning family's favourite family at Victoria Hall in Saltair on Saturday. A brass band from Bradford is playing the soundtrack.

Meanwhile, Big Blast Blast will feature a series of free outdoor gigs at Centenary Square starting at 1pm on Saturday.

For more information about the events taking place over the weekend for Big Brass Blowout, visit bradford2025.co.uk/the-big-brass-blowout.