JCT600 backs Bradford’s Bantam of the Opera choir with 2026 sponsorship

Bradford-based automotive retailer JCT600 has announced it will sponsor the Bantam of the Opera choir for 2026, helping ensure the popular Bradford community group can continue for another year.

The partnership was revealed at the company’s Heroes Awards event at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Friday (6 March), where colleagues were recognised for their excellent customer service, inspirational leadership and bright ideas. Renowned soprano, Lesley Garrett, appeared alongside the choir as they made a surprise appearance at the celebratory lunch.

Bantam of the Opera was formed by BBC Radio Leeds during Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, bringing together around 50 Bradford City AFC supporters and teaching them to sing opera. Through BBC Radio Leeds’ support, the choir gained national attention, performing at major events including BBC Sports Personality of the Year, singing on the pitch at Valley Parade and even performing for the King.
With Bradford’s year of culture complete, the choir is now self-governing and able to take on additional support. JCT600’s sponsorship will further help the group to continue rehearsing and performing throughout 2026.
JCT600 executive chairman, John Tordoff, said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially sponsor Bantam of the Opera for 2026 and to play our part in ensuring this fantastic choir can continue for another year. Their identity is rooted in Bradford, and their connection to Bradford City Football Club makes this partnership even more meaningful to us.
“The choir plans to continue to raise vital funds for the Bradford Burns Unit, supporting a cause that remains deeply significant to the football club and the city. As a family business with strong roots in the region, we’re passionate about backing an initiative that gives back in this way.”
At the Heroes Awards event, the choir performed three songs for JCT600 colleagues, including their rendition of the Bradford City anthem Midland Road, which featured in their BBC Sports Personality of the Year appearance. It was described as an ‘amazing’ and ‘special’ performance, earning the choir a standing ovation.

Michelle Buchan and Steve Ding, co-chairs of Bantam of the Opera choir, said: “We’re delighted to announce the new sponsorship from JCT600, ensuring the continuation of our rehearsals and performances throughout 2026. As long-standing partners of Bradford City AFC, JCT600 have now extended their commitment to the local community by partnering with our choir, which is a natural and greatly appreciated fit. The backing will help us grow, perform, and share our music with even more people in the year ahead.”

Mr Tordoff added: “Announcing our sponsorship at our colleague recognition event, with a special appearance alongside Lesley Garrett, is a proud moment for us and a celebration of the shared spirit between our colleagues, the choir, the football club and the wider Bradford community.”

Founded in Bradford in 1946, family-owned business JCT600 is one of the UK’s largest independent automotive retailers, employing more than 2,200 people and representing 20 brands across a network of dealerships in Yorkshire, the North East and the Midlands.