The newly crowned North West Area champion, Leyland, is to play a major role in the 'Preston Passion', which is to be broadcast live on BBC 1 on Good Friday.

The broadcast will re-tell the religious story in a contemporary setting, featuring a combination of live performance and innovative drama.

Central role

Hosted by Fern Britton and featuring around 3500 local people, the event is huge undertaking. Leyland will be playing a central role in providing the musical accompaniment to a 600 strong choir in four items directed by 'Songs of Praise' conductor, Paul Leddington-Wright.

The band is delighted to have been asked to perform, and will also be active later in the year in more of the Guild celebrationsLeyland Band

Historic

Preparations have been taking place across the city for a number of weeks as the event combines traditional Holy Week choral music with modern day celebration of Easter, marking the start of the historic Preston Guild festivities.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The band is delighted to have been asked to perform, and will also be active later in the year in more of the Guild celebrations."