The Sangam Festival is underway and a world-class programme of South Asian music performers is lined up to appear.

Two headline musical events, one of which is a first in the UK, will take place at the Lawrence Batley Theatre (LBT), Huddersfield on July 27 and 28 as part of the exciting festival programme.

Sufi singer Tahseen Sakina will make her debut in the UK at a special performance on Wednesday July 27 at the LBT. Tahseen is the pupil of renowned Sufi music singer Abida Parveen and like her has dedicated her life to classical music.

Tahseen specialises in Ghazal, thumri, khyal, qawwali, raag, Sufi Rock, classical and semi-classical music. She will be supported by Qawal musician Awais Aziz Mian the grandson of famous Qawal musician Aziz Mian at the exclusive event later this month.

Thursday July 28 will then see Manchester singer, songwriter and guitarist Usman Farooqi host a Ladies Night in the Syngenta Cellar at the LBT.

At this exclusive ladies-only event, the soulful singer will take guests on a romantic journey of Bollywood. There will also be a prize draw on the night to win an exclusive dinner with the man himself at a local restaurant.

Further Sangam Festival musical treats include Qawwali in the LBT Courtyard on August 11.

The Sangam Festival has been launched

Qaisar Mahmood, CEO of Communities Together and Radio Sangam, said: “We are delighted to confirm such exceptional acts as part of this year’s festival and thrilled to welcome Tahseen for her first-ever live performance in the UK.

“Having such high-profile performers on board really establishes Sangam as a leading festival in the region and enables people from Kirklees and beyond to experience their amazing talent.”

Tickets are now on sale for these events and can be purchased through the LBT website – https://www.thelbt.org/

Sangam Festival: A Celebration of South Asian Heritage is run by Huddersfield-based social enterprise Communities Together. The second festival will run across Kirklees from July 18-August 17 2022 to coincide with South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM).

Its diverse programme of events includes venue-based, outdoor, and digital activities celebrating South Asian heritage, arts, and culture – from film, music, dance, themed walks, and family events to talks, workshops and oral history projects.

Information about the wider festival and the full programme can be found at: https://sangamfestival.co.uk/