Variety Yorkshire was able to give 1500 local young people the opportunity to attend concerts organised by the Leeds International Concert Season at Leeds Town Hall.

The event was one of many that the Yorkshire region of Variety, the Children’s Charity, supports every year as part of the charity’s Variety at Work programme which aims to give disadvantaged and disabled children entertaining and educational experiences.

Drawn from primary schools across the city, the children were treated to performances by the Orchestra of Opera North conducted by Dougie Scarfe.

Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council Executive Member for Leisure, explained:


“The generosity of Variety has enabled us to provide bursaries to schools to enable pupils to attend the concerts at Leeds Town Hall.For many of them it will have been the first time they have had the opportunity to hear live music and have the thrill of experiencing a professional orchestra.”

Paul Lawrence, a member of of the Variety Yorkshire committee and a supporter of the Arts and other good causes through his family’ charitable trust, said:


“I was delighted to attend one of the concerts and hear the enthusiastic reaction of the children to the music! It is always rewarding to see how the money we raise really does make a difference to the lives of children.”