ICE CREAM wars come to Bradford Festival on July 30, in a new opera by poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan.

Ice Cream: The Opera comes from Bradford-based Freedom Studios and focuses on warring ice cream vendor families from Yorkshire , one Italian, one British Asian.

The contemporary chamber opera for four singers is inspired by the tale of Romeo and Juliet.

The action takes place in and around two customised ice cream vans that will drive into the location with singers and musicians inside, an operatic jingle heralding their arrival.

A spokesman said: “The music, performed live, is in the rich tradition of 19th century romantic opera with a twist, given by a flavour of Indian music and a libretto full of unmistakable Yorkshire vernacular wit and warmth.

“It is sure to grab the imagination, stir the heart and engage non-opera audiences. Joining the four performers will be a community chorus, including members of Bradford Friendship Choir for asylum seekers and friends.”

“Ice Cream will act as a ‘gateway opera’ designed to help remove barriers by taking ‘accessible’ live opera ‘to the people’ to enrich their cultural lives and help build more diverse and younger opera audiences.”

The performances will be in City Park, Centenary Square, Bradford, on July 30, at 1pm, 3pm and 5.15pm. The running time is 30 minutes. Admission is free, with no tickets required.