Sheffield based Unite the Union Band will travel to Bochum in Germany next month to take part in the renowned Bochumer MusikSommer Festival.

The invitation continues a strong cultural link between the twinned cities, and will see the band perform at an event that attracts close to 170,000 visitors each year.

Prime slots

The band has made several previous visits to the city's Maibendfest (May Eve) celebrations, proudly representing the 'Steel City' since 1985. On this occasion they will perform two prime time slots over the weekend.

Sheffield and Bochum share a common industrial past, as well as similar social and economic challenges.

This year will see the closure of the last of Germany's coal mines — a poignant end to an industry that was once centered on Bochum, and which is home to its own National Mining Museum.

This invitation is significant and we are delighted to be able to perform again in Bochum and at such a prestigious eventUnite the Union Band

Shared past

Unite the Union Band spokesperson Clare Moore told 4BR: "The band was first invited to our German twin town in 1985, some 33 years ago now. Our last visit was in 1998, but over the years there has been a very strong friendship created — even leading to one marriage."

She added: "This invitation is significant and we are delighted to be able to perform again in Bochum and at such a prestigious event.

We are proud to be representing the City of Sheffield and promoting Unite the Union to audiences abroad. This is an exciting opportunity to re-kindle the friendships made over several years and make new ones too."