ONE of Britain’s favourite sopranos, Lesley Garrett, promises to raise the roof at the Wesley Centre in Malton on July 5.

The evening will feature songs interspersed with stories on her 30-year career at the top of the classical music world.

Lesley’s career has spanned performances on opera stages throughout the world, alongside West End musicals, concert tours, Strictly Come Dancing, her own BBC television series for many years and performances with

Paul O’Grady, Renee Fleming,

Marti Pellow, Elaine Paige, Ian Bostridge and Michael Ball to name a few.

Lesley Garrett said: “I have a very special connection to Yorkshire, it is where I breathe my heritage and see my family – it will always be home to me - so I am so delighted to perform in this beautiful venue.

“There’s nothing more wonderful or exhilarating than the intimacy of experiencing music live.

“Music can have such emotional resonance, it matters to us all, and I hope to really connect with the audience with this intimate live experience.

“Performing when you care about the place and the people in the place just adds that little bit extra, so this will I hope be very special for audiences in Malton.”

Paul Emberley, director of the Wesley Centre, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Lesley to the Wesley Centre.

“We are creating a unique performance and community space that deserves to attract world-class performers to Malton.”

The Wesley Centre is running a £1 million appeal to regenerate its large Grade II* listed building to secure its future with plans to equip it – not only as a place of worship in the 21st century – but as a community hub and high-end concert hall and performance space.

Tickets are available from eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-lesley-garrett-tickets-61106501190