IT’S the return of the big sing.

After 10 years a local man is bringing back a century old sing-a-long.

The Holmfirth Sing was always an integral part of life in the district since it began in 1882.

So this year, local Carlton Mellor decided to revive the popular event at Victoria Park.

Everyone is invited to venture down to the Huddersfield Road site and join in.

The Holme Silver Band have agreed to accompany the choir.

The sing-a-long will form part of the finale at the Holmfirth Arts Festival, from June 6 to June 28.

Mr Mellor said it was an ‘opportune moment’ to revive the Sing, which first started in 1882.

The 72-year-old said: “It’s a bit of nostalgia and tradition.

“The general public are invited to sing hymns and a Hallelujah Chorus.”

“It used to be a big day when I was a young lad.

“I was very disappointed when it folded because of lack of support.

“The Sing was first introduced to Holmfirth as part of the local ‘feast’ weekend.

“But sadly ‘feasts’ on this side of The Pennines are virtually non-existent.”

Holmfirth Sing ran for more than 100 years but faded out in the early 1990s.

Mr Mellor revived it for a one-off event in 2000 to mark the millennium and now he has enlisted the help of local maestro Simon Ackroyd who will conduct the choir.

Mr Ackroyd is the musical director of both Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society and Huddersfield Gilbert and Sullivan society.

When the Sing first began in 1882 it was a time when family and friends, young and old, would gather together on the village’s cricket field.

Some 2,300 copies of the hymn programme were printed that year and each were sold for 2 pence each.

A total of £84 was raised that was then donated to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

The event was so popular that special trains used to run to bring people from surrounding areas.

And there were two performances – one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

This year the mass performance will be held in Victoria Park.

Organisers are hoping for a continuation of the good weather.

But if it does start to rain, the party will relocate to the nearby Parish Church.

Those wanting to join in should turn up at the park on Huddersfield Road at 2.00 on Sunday, June 28.

The sing-a-long will mark the end of Holmfirth Arts Festival.

The arts festival began in 2008 and includes concerts, workshops, choirs, bands, comedy and poetry walks.

Best-selling author Joanne Harris and poet Ian McMillan are both supporters of the show.

This year will see brand new events including a photography competition, book club, and sculpture trail in the Holmfirth woods.

For more information visit www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk