The opera invades Yorkshire pubs

It might not be every licensees cup of tea, but it will certainly add a dash of high culture to the average Yorkshire pub-goer's pint.

This month drinkers in Guiseley will have their last chance to catch some classic operas, including The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville, as part of a fundraiser to safeguard the art's future in the North.

Market Town Taverns' operations director Gil Richardson and managing director Ian Fozard are bringing the curtain down on their opera campaign, which began in 2005, with "Five In A Bar", a fundraiser for the renovation of Leeds Grand Theatre and the creation of a permanent home for Opera North.

"Five In A Bar" is being staged at Coopers Bar, Brasserie and Function Room by a group of Opera North singers and award-winning West Yorkshire poet and playwright, Char March.

Mr Richardson said: "We have had a great time throughout this campaign.

"This will be another fun evening to help us achieve our fund-raising target for a wonderful cause. It will appeal both to regular opera fans as well as opera virgins and we are expecting another sell out."

And to coincide with the event, Market Town Tavern is launching it's last limited-edition opera ale, Grand Finale, created by Saltaire Brewery, Bradford, from which 30p from each pint sold will be donated to the appeal.

"Five In A Bar" will be staged on January 16 2007.

Tickets, including a glass of wine, are £12.50 and can be obtained from Market Town Taverns on 01423 866 100.