Aled Jones to call tune at Opera in the Park

The singer and presenter who can currently be heard on BBC Radio 2 will be the compere for the open-air evening classical music concert on Saturday, July 30.

The 40-year-old, who first shot to national prominence with his version of Christmas hit Walking in the Air in 1982 and has gone on to produce 28 albums, will also be performing at the event in front of an anticipated capacity 50,000 crowd.

He will be joined on stage by opera soloists Orla Boylan, Heather Shipp, Gwyn Hughes Jones and David Kempster as well as Leeds Festival Chorus, while the music will be being provided by The Orchestra of Opera North. This year’s event organised by Leeds City Council will also feature a spectacular fireworks finale. The Yorkshire Post is a media partner.

A charge for the event has been introduced by the local authority, which is faced with making massive savings, this year. Tickets for the event are priced at £12 general admission, £9.50 LEEDSCard and Breezecard holders and £8.50 for LEEDSCard Extra holders, all prices inclusive of VAT. Tickets will be available from Monday.

The tickets can be booked online at www.leeds.gov.uk/opera as well as in person or by calling Leeds Visitor Centre at Leeds Rail Station 0113 242 5242.