In honour of Sisters Day, we take a look at some of Leeds’ favourite sisters and the musical talents of Ward Thomas, coming to City Varieties Music Hall in January 2025.
Written by Henry Crabtree
About Sisters Day
The first Sunday in August each year marks Sisters Day. During a road trip to Florida, Tricia Eleogram and her sister felt it was a shame that sisters don’t have a celebratory day of their own. Later, on a trip with her friends, the topic came up once again and they decided to take action. Their conversation sparked an idea that grew into a movement, leading to the establishment of Sisters Day. This day is now celebrated annually, encouraging people to honour their sibling relationships with meaningful gestures and gatherings.
Our three sister venues: Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House offer unique ways to celebrate the special bond between sisters. Whether you’re catching a show, enjoying a classic film, or simply spending time together.
Sister venues: Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.
The spirit of sisterhood in Leeds
Eleogram later published the book Sister Stories: The Spirit of Sisterhood in 1998, detailing the relationships between sisters from around the globe – sharing anecdotes, photographs, and personal essays exploring what sisterhood means.
Leeds has its fair share of notable sisters. The Brontë sisters famously took up residence just over the hill in Haworth, and were known to venture into Leeds city from time to time. The Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne – are celebrated for their literary masterpieces that have captivated readers for generations. They often visited Leeds for its vibrant culture and amenities, adding to the rich tapestry of the city’s history.
Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, and her sister Pippa also have ties to the city we call home. Their father, Michael Middleton, was born in Leeds in 1949, and the family frequently visited the city during Kate and Pippa’s childhood. The Middleton’s connection to Leeds is a cherished part of the family’s history, reflecting the city’s role in shaping their lives. Kate and Pippa have maintained a fondness for the area, with their visits adding a touch of royal charm to our vibrant community.
Tune into Gogglebox and you might see Ellie and Izzi Warner, the lively sisters who bring their uniquely northern sense of humour to our televisions. Their on-screen chemistry and candid conversations have made them fan favourites.
Gaynor Faye and Yvonne Francas are a dynamic pair who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. The daughters of Leeds legend Kay Mellor, Gaynor Faye kept her mother’s legacy alive in April of this year by directing and starring in The Syndicate at Leeds Grand Theatre, having starred in Band of Gold in 2019. Her sister, Yvonne Francas, has made her mark as a writer and producer, working on high-end dramas including Scott & Bailey and Death In Paradise.
Did you know Leeds has a few sisters of her own? If you were to travel 400 miles north, you might find yourself in the sleepy village of New Leeds, Scotland, a quaint location that shares its name with our bustling city. Similarly, approximately the same distance to the south, you would reach the city of Lille, France. Leeds and Lille became sister cities in 1968 as part of post-war efforts to nurture peace between the nations of Europe. With regular exchanges between young people, academics and businesses, the partnership with Lille is now one of Leeds’ most active city twinnings, fostering cultural and economic exchanges that have strengthened ties between the UK and France.
Gaynor Faye, Kay Mellor, Anthony Mellor, Yvonne Francas at the Band of Gold Post-Show event in 2019.
Izzi Warner, Jamie Campbell and Ellie Warner at the Everybody's Talking About Jamie press night, 2021.
Ward Thomas
As we celebrate Sisters Day, it’s the perfect moment to spotlight a musical duo whose familial bond informs the music they make. Ward Thomas, the acclaimed Hampshire country music duo, is renowned not just for their ground-breaking achievements in the UK country scene, but also for their unique sisterly connection. Twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas have crafted a musical career marked by both exceptional success and their connection as sisters.
This show will take Ward Thomas back to their early days of performing and writing together and will see the duo perform and share the stories behind the songs that have made such an impact on country music.
Ward Thomas have become a defining force in the UK country music landscape. Since their debut in 2014 with From Where We Stand, Catherine and Lizzy have captivated audiences with their authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics. Their rise to prominence was marked by the success of their second album, Cartwheels, which made waves as the first UK country album to reach No. 1 on the UK Album Charts.
The duo’s fifth studio album, Music In The Madness, delves into their country roots while reflecting on the trials and triumphs of recent years. This album underscores their resilience and the profound impact of their sisterly connection on their creative process. Their music, influenced by both global events and personal milestones, resonates with a blend of introspective depth and uplifting spirit.
As they prepare for their intimate acoustic tour in early 2025, Ward Thomas continues to exemplify the strength of sisterhood through their music. Their story is a powerful reminder of how deep familial connections can inspire and shape a creative legacy.
Ward Thomas comes to City Varieties Music Hall on Thu 30 January 2025.
Ward Thomas as the seaside.
City Varieties Music Hall Building Fund
The City Varieties Music Hall is the gem in Leeds’ crown. As the city’s oldest theatre, we want to ensure that Britain’s longest, continuously operating music hall is here for future generations, making it more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable. All donations will be fully invested in the building and equipment and will enhance your experience as a customer.
