The Black Dyke Heritage Appeal has received a major boost with a number of leading personalities from the arts, business and politics pledging their support.

Launched in July following the successful Heritage Lottery Funded opening of its Black Dyke Heritage Centre, the list of high profile heritage 'Pondashers' is led by opera star Lesley Garrett, alongside music entrepreneur and Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, former Labour politician Ed Balls, Richard Morrison, chief music critic of The Times newspaper, and long term supporter and entertainer Russ Abbott.

...indescribably brilliant

Speaking about his link to the appeal, Russ Abbot said that he has always been 'a huge fan' of a band that was 'very close to his heart'.

Meanwhile, former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and huge 'Strictly Come Dancing' favourite Ed Balls was delighted to back the appeal after he said the band had provided 'the set of the festival' at Glastonbury earlier this year — an opinion backed by Michael Eavis who added that Black Dyke '...was indescribably brilliant and a joy for the thousands that were there.'

In addition, Yorkshire born opera star Lesley Garrett and highly respected critic Richard Morrison, who has commented extensively on the band's historic artistic achievements, have also become high profile supporters.

To have supporters such as this gives us a major boost as we carry on the development of a project that will have a lasting impact and legacyProf Nicholas Childs

Huge boost

Commenting on the news, Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs said that the support gave a huge boost to the ongoing work of the Black Dyke Heritage project — one which has already made a huge impression throughout the world.

He told 4BR: "Many will have seen the new Heritage Centre featured on national and regional television as well as through a huge variety of social media outlets. The response has been amazing, and shows both the affection as well as the artistic respect the band is held in.

To have supporters such as this gives us a major boost as we carry on the development of a project that will have a lasting impact and legacy."

To help

To help with the band's heritage work go to:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/blackdykeband-1855/our-heritage