The South hit the road as new tour full of timeless classics heads to Halifax

After the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to live music around the world for most of 2020/21, The South are getting back on the road to do what they do best - perform the songs of the great British pop institution, The Beautiful South, to the thousands of fans of these timeless classics.

The South are a nine-piece band featuring former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles.

Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties.

The rest of the band includes Phil Barton (guitars), Steve Nutter (bass), Dave Anderson (drums), Karl Brown

October 9 at St Martin’s Church at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the varied concert which will include performances from Hipperholme Community Choir, Hathor Belly Dancers, a ukulele group and the University Centre Calderdale College Actors.

That evening, at St Martin’s Church, Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band will be giving a “Last Night of the Proms” concert.

For classical music fans, the renowned pianist Jill Crossland gives a recital of Chopin, Schubert and Bach at St John’s Church in Rastrick on Monday, October 11 at 7.30pm, while Nick Fletcher will give a guitar (percussion), Gareth John (trumpet), Su Robinson (saxophone) and Andy Price (keyboard).

Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this live band has spent 11 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of these treasured songs.

Expect to hear A Little

recital on Tuesday, October 12 at St Martin’s Church at 7.30pm.

Following great success at the last arts festival, Barry Smith has organised another “Unplugged – Acoustic Music” night at Miller’s Bar on Wednesday, October 13 at 7.30pm. Artists will include local festival favourites Amy Claire, Cadence, Ruth Nielsen and The Rainey Street Band. An evening with local composer and pianist Simeon Walker is on Thursday, October 14 at St John’s Church in Rastrick at 7.30pm where the audience will join him for a captivating and varied programme of original compositions in the

Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Song For Whoever, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her, plus many more singles and album tracks, as well as a few choice South originals.

The South come to Square Chapel, Halifax on Saturday, October 9.

To book tickets, visit http:// thesouth.co.uk/tour-dates.

atmospheric surroundings of the church.

O’Hooley and Tidow, who leapt to fame after one of their songs was used for the theme music to the hit BBC series Gentleman Jack, are giving a concert at St Martin’s Church on Friday, October 15. Theatre fans should make a point of seeing “Shout” the musical at St John’s on Saturday, October 16 (1pm and 6.30pm).

The show features popular songs from the 60s and 70s and stars Brighouse’s ever popular Natasha Harper.

The festival concludes with a violin recital by Sophie Rosa, one of Britain’s most talented classical soloists.