With a stellar lineup of headliners set to bring you back to the 80s who will be performing alongside Opera North's powerhouse of musicians.
If you love to head down to the club on 80s night but would rather party outdoors than in a packed out nightclub, the 80s Classical is the summer festival you don't want to miss.
With the likes of Nik Kershaw, Go West and Nick Heyward headlining, this is set to be one of the biggest years yet for the festival.
Taking place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 July 2023 in Millenium Square, the two-day event will see Leeds own Opera North perform an exclusive set of chart-topping hits as well as providing their symphonic might behind the headliners to create an unbeatable sound. The band are 50 members strong and are all looking forward to the opportunity to perform live once more.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see 80s pop legends Nik Kershaw, Go West, Nick Heyward and Heaven 17 take to the stage in Millenium Square alongside the orchestra's powerhouse of musicians.
Saturday is also set to be a riot as dance music from the 90s to present day gets a radical revamp with Club Classical Anthems, where international artists take their hits up a gear with the expanded power and colour of Opera North’s musicians behind them.
Joining the Orchestra will be Leeds’ own electronic pioneers Utah Saints, Dreamer hitmaker Janice Robinson, twice UK number one vocalist Kelli-Leigh and singer-songwriter Karen Harding.
Cliff Masterson, composer, arranger and conductor for both shows said: “We’re thrilled to be coming back to our second home in Millennium Square, and excited to reveal some stellar debuts, as well as the return of some familiar faces, for this fourth instalment of 80s Classical.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are delighted to be hosting these fantastic events again on Millennium Square at the end of July. The magnificent Orchestra of Opera North together with a range of star performers promises to be more must-see outdoor concert experiences for people to enjoy.
"We are especially pleased these events are taking place within Leeds 2023, as the city showcases its musical and cultural offering and talents to the world.”
Seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic if one should arise, a new survey has revealed.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it's 'very poorly' prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it's 'very well' prepared.
When workers were asked how the NHS's level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it's no better prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
16% actively think it's less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of 'transparency' and 'accountability' in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England - from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services - will now be ranked quarterly against 'clear and consistent' standards.
Featured Image - Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
News
Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
Thomas Melia
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
The Hoot -
2nd March 2023 
