Spandau Ballet frontman to headline Lichfield Festival
Pop icon Tony Hadley is to open Lichfield Festival 's 40th anniversary celebrations this summer with a stunning Lichfield Cathedral concert on Thursday 7 July.
The singer and Festival patron is one of the headliners at this year 's event, taking place from 7-17 July.
Tony Hadley (pictured) will also be joined by singer/songwriter Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Ballet Cymru, folk group The Longest Johns, comedian Zoe Lyons, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Brodsky Quartet and cellist Steven Isserlis, and jazz coupling James Pearson and Lizzie Ball.
Damian Thantrey, Lichfield Festival director, said: “Since the first event in 1982, Lichfield Festival has brought artists and musicians of the highest calibre, and audiences local and national, to this beautiful city.
“Alongside fabulous established and up-and-coming artists, our 40th anniversary will feature works from the first Festival, new commissions, bespoke 1980s themed shows, music honouring the 150th anniversary of the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and the inaugural Midlands Choir of the Year.
“We 're thrilled that Tony Hadley has agreed to launch the celebrations for us and delighted also to welcome new principal Festival sponsor McArthurGlen. As always, there will be dance, drama, comedy, family fun, fireworks and free events - all the hallmarks that have made Lichfield Festival a cultural beacon for the last 40 years. ”
The former Spandau Ballet frontman is also celebrating his own 40th anniversary tour.
Rebecca Lee, marketing manager of McArthurGlen, the West-Midlands-based designer outlet, said: “The West Midlands has a thriving arts and culture scene and we are delighted to work with the Lichfield Festival to support this wonderful community.
“The Festival is a key moment for the region, where people can come together and celebrate the extraordinary creativity in the area, and McArthurGlen West Midlands is very proud to be helping it come to life. ”
Lichfield Festival 2022 is extremely grateful for all the support it receives from its corporate and individual sponsors, Lichfield City and District Councils, and Arts Council England.
Lichfield Festival 2022 runs from 7-17 July. General booking opens Tuesday 3 May with priority booking for Lichfield Festival Friends from Tuesday 19 April.
Tickets and details are available from www.lichfieldfestival.org.