Bradford City AFC

Bantam of the Opera podcast available on BBC Sounds

A BBC Sounds series is available now following the remarkable journey of 50 Bradford City football fans who’re being transformed into opera singers.

From 90-year-old Eileen, a match-day volunteer at our club to 18-year-old A-Level student Tilli-etta, the choir is being taught to sing opera to mark the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations as part of a BBC Radio Leeds challenge.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, opera singer Lesley Garrett, and sports commentator and TV presenter Chris Kamara are all ambassadors of the campaign, along with the world-renowned BBC Singers who’re supporting the choir during their development.

There were nearly 500 applications to join the choir and BBC Radio Leeds whittled it down to the final 50.

Kammy, the legendary Bradford City player and manager, led the call-out for singers to take part.

The broadcaster, who was diagnosed with the speech condition apraxia in 2022, has said he uses singing to help him with his speech, wellbeing and mental health.

Kamara says: “I recently joined the Bantam of the Opera choir at one of their rehearsals, and it was unbelievable how good they’re sounding already. For a group of football supporters to embrace this opportunity and come together and sing, it’s testament to James Sills who is the vocal coach and also the undoubted talent that fans didn't know they had.

“It’s great to see the fans unite in such a community driven way. We’re doing this to pay our respects to the 56 fans who lost their lives 40 years ago in the Valley Parade stadium fire. And by performing on the pitch at half-time in May for the final home game of the season, the official memorial match, we hope we can in some way show that their memories live on, and we will always remember. The Bantam of the Opera choir is creating a lasting-legacy for the club, and we want these people to champion Bradford throughout its UK City of Culture year.”

Soprano singer Lesley Garrett CBE, who is an ambassador for Bantam of the Opera, says: “Singing with the Bantam of the Opera choir for the Bradford UK City of Culture year is proving to be a joyous and humbling experience. This richly diverse and endlessly enthusiastic group of die-hard Bradford AFC fans are astonishing me with their commitment and growing determination.

“This campaign, as part of the Bradford City of Culture year, is a phenomenal opportunity to show that classical and operatic music is available to enjoy for everyone.

“Opera is the most passionate form of singing there is and having heard the Bantams chanting on the terraces at Valley Parade, I know they have so much passion for their club and the city they call home, Bradford. I can’t wait to help unlock the potential of these football fans. I think we’re going to have so much fun!”

James Sills, Choral Leader for Bantam of the Opera, says: “Bantam of The Opera isn't just about football fans singing opera, it's about building community and supporting mental health, whilst having a lot of fun along the way.“

Katrina Bunker, BBC Head of Yorkshire, says: “We like a challenge in Yorkshire and this might be our biggest one yet. Can we turn a bunch of passionate football fans from terrace chanters to choral supremos? It’s going to be a fascinating story to see and hear unfold.”

You can follow the journey of the singers, in the BBC Bantam of the Opera podcast available on BBC Sounds. Click here to have a listen https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p0kw6wy8 and make sure you like and subscribe to follow your Bantams all the way through their journey.

Since being formed the choir has held weekly rehearsals at the Community Foundation City Hub

BANTAM OF THE OPERA