‘South Yorkshire Anthem’ to be played by BBC Orchestra

THE song that best symbolises South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire – as picked by listeners – will be covered by an 80-piece BBC orchestra.

Nominations can submitted through Facebook or email for the “local anthem” from July 17.

The winning track will be picked by BBC Radio Sheffield breakfast presenter Toby Foster before being sent to the 80-piece BBC Philharmonic.

They will have just two weeks to write, rehearse and perform the tune, with each musician recording their part from their own home.

It means music from artists from the likes of The Human League, Reverend and The Makers or even one of Sheffield’s own football anthems could be reimagined into an impressive piece of music which will become part of the local music scene.

Presenter Toby Foster said: “South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire are home to such a thriving music scene, with so many different genres popping up over the decades. Synthpop legends the Human League, ABC and Heaven 17 led the way in the 1980s.

“Then there’s the guitar bands like the Arctic Monkeys, The Long Blondes, and Little Man Tate who found national success after playing on the local music scene. Listeners are spoilt for choice. I can’t wait to hear their suggestions!

“Let’s find out once and for all: what is our local anthem?”

The chosen tune will be played on the Breakfast Show and will be added to the ‘Great Northern Playlist’ on BBC Sounds, made up of the tracks picked from each of the 10 BBC Local Radio areas in the North.

All of the songs have been covered by the BBC Philharmonic, which has been serving the North from its base in Manchester for nearly 100 years.

Simon Webb, director of the BBC Philharmonic, said: “We have honed our skills creating lockdown tracks like this for 5Live, 6Music, Radio 3 and Radio 4 but have never attempted something on this scale before. To take ten popular songs, turn them into pieces that dozens of classically trained musicians can play – all while those musicians are stuck in their own homes – is going to be a real challenge.

“But the BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to creative challenges and we can’t wait to get stuck in. For nearly a century we have been playing for audiences across the North – and we’re really pleased to be finding new and exciting ways to serve those same communities during the pandemic.”

Nominations run from July 17 until midday Thursday July 23. The finished song will be played two weeks later on the Breakfast Show.

Rozina Breen, head of BBC North, said: “The Philharmonic is a northern institution and to hear it connect directly with our diverse communities across the North will be very special.

“The North has produced some of the world’s best bands, musicians and songwriters and our aim is to bring communities in crisis together creatively, through music, with a celebration of our shared and world-renowned musical heritage.”

To submit your nomination, email radio. sheffield@bbc.co.uk or Facebook comment @bbcsheffield