WHAT do the National Health Service, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the York Light Orchestra all have in common? They all turn 70 in 2018.

The York musicians are marking 70 years of charitable music-making in York with a family-friendly Proms concert of popular music on Sunday afternoon, hosted by BBC Radio York and BBC Radio 3 presenter Adam Tomlinson at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

All are welcome at a 2.30pm concert featuring a range of musical styles from Gershwin to Rossini, as well as "a bit of Pomp and Circumstance". "We are delighted to be celebrating 70 years of performing music in York with such a great programme of music," say joint chairs Deborah Welch and Louise Watson. "We are proud to support St Leonard’s Hospice to mark such a special occasion.”

The York Light Orchestra was founded in 1947 by York musicians to accompany theatre shows of Gilbert and Sullivan operetta and the first public performance took place on October 6 1948. In past years, the orchestra received funding from York City Council, but since the 1970s the orchestra has been self-funded from members subscriptions and concert donations.

Membership stands at 40 players who meet on a weekly basis and they continue the YLO's 70-year commitment to providing performances, without remuneration, in aid of charitable causes. The orchestra's 2016/17 season featured performances in Poppleton, for the British Heart Foundation, Acomb Methodist Church and Selby Abbey.

In addition, the musicians perform regularly at a care home in Fulford and a school in Linton-on-Ouse, ensuring that live music is available to those not always able to attend concert venues.

Tickets for Sunday are available from the JoRo box office, on 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/eventids/1028. All profits will go to St Leonard’s.