Win tickets to Handel’s Messiah in Bradford: 2025 concert dates unveiled

When Bradford Festival Choral Society (BFCS) first performed Handel’s Messiah in December 1856, the Bradford Observer promised “moderate prices” so that everyone could attend. Nearly 170 years later, that same spirit of welcome and accessibility remains at the heart of the choir’s work.

This November, in the city’s UK City of Culture year, BFCS returns to St George’s Hall to perform Messiah with Baroque in the North, a period-instrument orchestra, and a cast of acclaimed soloists. Tickets start from just £8 for students, under 30s and those on a low income, ensuring that cost is no barrier to enjoying one of music’s most uplifting masterpieces. The choir also offers complimentary places to community groups including The Anchor Project and Bradford Friendship Choir, so that audiences reflect the richness of the city itself.

Win a pair of tickets to the night

We’ve teamed up with BFCS to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the concert on Saturday, November 15. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question.

Which Yorkshire city is the UK Capital of Culture 2025?

a. Sheffield

b. Leeds

c. Bradford

To enter, click here and fill in all your details. The closing date is 11.59pm on 30 October and the editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply.

A story of tradition — and resilience

The bond between Bradford and Messiah has not always been straightforward. In the 1880s, the oratorio was described as “a permanent institution” of the festive season, but dwindling finances meant it disappeared from programmes for a time. Later revivals brought mixed fortunes, yet the music always found its way back, renewed and re-loved.

In the archives, reviews bring these moments vividly to life. In 1932, a performance conducted by the young Malcolm Sargent was hailed as “brilliant… almost organ-like.” A mischievous misprint, however, caused a stir when a review referred to a “fruitless trumpet obbligato” — much to the amusement of the soloist and half of Bradford, of course it was “faultless”. It’s a reminder that while Messiah carries centuries of gravitas, it has also always brought joy, laughter, and community spirit.

Singing together, then and now

Today’s BFCS, under Music Director Thomas Leech, continues to honour this heritage while looking forward. This autumn, BFCS celebrates winning the inaugural Making Music UK Diverse Programming Award, national recognition for programming that honours tradition while embracing the richness of today’s musical world, and the choir remains committed to ensuring that great choral music belongs to everyone — whether as listener or performer.

That’s why there’s also an open invitation to join the chorus itself. On Saturday 11 October, the choir hosts a Come & Sing Messiah day at Beckfoot School. No auditions, no experience needed: just enthusiasm and the chance to raise your voice in the unforgettable Hallelujah Chorus along with an experienced choir who will carry you through it.

Christmas in true Yorkshire style

The season continues on Saturday 20 December with A Yorkshire Christmas at Bradford Grammar School’s Price Hall. Joined by the award-winning Rothwell Temperance Band, BFCS will lead an evening of carols, brass, and audience participation — a warm, festive celebration for all the family.

As one 19th-century chronicler of the choir wrote, “there are no singers so well able and disposed to become [Handel’s] mouthpiece as the Yorkshire singers, and among them none excel Bradford.” This autumn, audiences have the chance to hear that proud tradition live once again, and to be part of the story themselves.

Save the dates

Handel’s Messiah — Bradford Festival Choral Society with Baroque in the North Saturday 15 November, 7pm St George’s Hall, Bradford Tickets from £8 (concessions) – book now at https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/handels-messiah

Come & Sing Messiah Saturday 11 October, 10am–7pm Beckfoot School, Wagon Lane, Bingley Book at ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

A Yorkshire Christmas — with Rothwell Temperance Band Saturday 20 December, 6pm Price Hall, Bradford Grammar School Tickets & info: ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

Planning ahead? Bradford Festival Choral Society joins Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra once again in March 2026 as part of the Bradford Theatres International Orchestral Season with a sparkling performance of Haydn’s The Creation on Saturday 21 March.

Haydn The Creation – Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra with Bradford Festival Choral Society

📅Saturday 21 March, 7.30pm 📍 St George’s Hall, Bradford 🎟️ Book now at https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/yorkshire-sym