Queen Victoria arrived by train in the city on September 7, 1858 to open the Town Hall, hailed as one of the finest Victorian creations in England.

It was the first time a reigning monarch had visited the city. Famed architect Cuthbert Brodrick designed the building after winning a competition set up by wealthy local businessmen.

The Great Hall was dedicated to Queen Victoria and later named after her.

The royal procession was led by the Vicar of Leeds, Dr Walter Hook.
That day, one of the most famous in the history of Leeds which instilled such a sense of civic pride, was recreated in miniature by a group of Otley schoolchildren.

Over 120 pupils from Westgate Primary School donned Victorian costume and sang their hearts out to replicate in slightly fewer decibels the noise made by 32,000 children who greeted Victoria.

The young people aged between seven and 11 performed their own versions of the anthems and hymns sung by the crowds of children massed onto Woodhouse Moor as the monarch passed by in her carriage on her way to open the building.

The recordings recreating the atmosphere and excitement of the Queen's visit will enhance the experience of visitors as they walk through the Leeds Story, an exhibition at the new Leeds City Museum off Millennium Square which will tell the story of the city through the ages, including the historic Town Hall opening.

The Westgate children sang outside in the school playground, all wearing authentic period costume to add to the Victorian feel.

A description of the historic events on Woodhouse Moor in September 1858 by Benjamin Barker in his diary held by the Thoresby Society reads: "Then the conductor waved his hand and God Save the Queen was sung by the 30,000 (children and teachers]. Her Majesty waved her hand, the carriage halted in the centre of the children, and the great choir of the children sang forth the national anthem…with a sublime effect.

"When God Save the Queen had been sung the Royal procession continued, and from this point her Majesty's reception was as grand in its enthusiasm as anything could be. For nearly four miles it was one continued ovation."

Coun Bill Hyde, city council lead member for leisure, said: "Having 32,000 children all gathered on Woodhouse Moor to sing to the Queen must have been an incredible sight and this superb recreation will greatly add to the experience as visitors relive one of the proudest days in the history of our city."

Westgate Primary headteacher Rhona Bignell said: "We were thrilled to be invited to take part. At Westgate we are really committed to promoting the arts and music is an important part of our school life.
"We have fantastic children who love singing."