2025-10-07
Schools across Bradford are being invited to join the Bradford Music & Arts Service, and the BBC Radio Leeds choir Bantam of the Opera, in attempting a number of world records on 11 November.
As part of the UK City of Culture celebrations, thousands of children will come together to try and break world records for the ‘Largest Air-Drumming Session’ and ‘Largest Body Percussion Lesson’ at Bradford Live.
In support of BBC Children in Need, whose annual Appeal show will be aired on BBC One on Friday 14 November, schools are being invited to participate in fundraising activities to champion the main theme for 2025 of “Challenge Yourself.”
Those taking part can support the cause by raising money and awareness for children and young people facing disadvantage in communities across the UK.
The partnership between the Bradford Music & Arts Service and Bantam of the Opera, will see the BBC choir take to the stage in the vast theatre space of Bradford Live with current world-record breaker Tim Brain.
Tim drummed his way into the record books in 2023, when he hosted the world’s largest percussion ensemble using recyclable instruments. He joins these world record attempts representing the Music Hub, which is a partnership of organisations committed to the highest quality of music education for children and young people across the country.
Councillor Sue Duffy, portfolio holder for children and families, says: “Bradford is buzzing with music, art and culture this year as we celebrate being UK City of Culture, and this event at the iconic Bradford Live will be a real highlight.
“It’s a joyful opportunity for children from schools across the district to come together, make history, and enjoy the incredible surroundings of this beautifully restored venue. We want 2025 to be a year young people will remember, and Bradford Council’s Music and Arts Service is doing fantastic work to make sure music is at the heart of that experience.”
Tim Brain, Managing Director of Louder Than Life, says: “This is a remarkable opportunity for the young people of Bradford, promising an inspiring and historic day that will be remembered not only as a celebration but as a catalyst for positive change.
“Music is an invaluable force in enriching the lives of young people, and what better way to honour its impact than by achieving the distinction of becoming World Record holders.”
The Guinness World Record attempts come as the Bantam of the Opera choir is also launching a legacy outreach programme in schools across Bradford, promoting access to the arts for all. Working with the Priestly Academy Trust, and in collaboration with the world-renowned BBC Singers, a series of workshops will take place engaging 1,500 students in Key Stage 2 (KS2) across six schools in the Manningham area of the city.
The Priestley Academy Trust serves a community that includes some of the most socio-economically deprived areas in England. Many of the pupils face significant barriers to learning, with challenges that are among the most acute in Bradford. The core vision of the academy is to ‘perpetually level the playing field’, ensuring that every child receives an immersive and enriching experience through both academic and personal development curricula.
Tom Fay is the academy’s Learning and Development Officer. He says: “We have found that music resonates deeply with our pupils: they love to sing, listen to music, and learn musical instruments. However, many of our pupils have limited exposure to a wide variety of musical genres at home. This further strengthens our belief in the importance of a vibrant music curriculum.
“Over the next 12 months, the Trust is placing a strong focus on developing music provision across our schools, recognising the profound benefits music brings to emotional wellbeing, mental health, and community spirit. We are excited about the potential this focus on music holds for transforming our pupils’ educational experience and would welcome any opportunities to collaborate with the BBC’s Bantam of the Opera.”
BBC Head of Yorkshire Katrina Bunker says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students in Bradford to benefit from the infectious spirit of Bantam of the Opera. Music and singing unites communities, and this campaign demonstrates how individual voices can come together as one, to create something special.
“The workshops the Bantams will support in schools, and the world record attempts for BBC Children in Need, showcase the scale, ambition and passion this choir has to shine a light on their city, Bradford.”
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