Leeds property professional crowned Crypt Factor 2026 winner at Elland Road

This year’s Crypt Factor singing competition, which Candid PR has supported since 2013, was won by Richard Bamford, who performed Dakota by Stereophonics in front of almost 1,000 members of the North of England’s property community at Elland Road.

The event is expected to raise around £100,000 for Leeds charities St George's Crypt and Yorkshire Property Charitable Trust.

Richard, from CBRE, was one of 16 property professionals who took to the stage at Elland Road to perform chart-topping hits in a bid to be crowned Crypt Factor 2026 champion.

After all the acts had performed, the judging panel and main sponsors, comprising Craig Burrow from Town Centre Securities PLC, Dawn Allen from Pinsent Masons and Garry Howes from GV&Co, who were also joined by TV actor and singer, Will Mellor, selected four finalists before the audience chose the overall winner.

The event was compered by Ben Hall from NorthCap and Corinne Travis from Network Space. Additional support was provided by Candid PR and Anderson Advertising & Property Marketing, with the event’s hugely impressive stage set-up, lighting and sound provided by Sterling Event Group.

Crypt Factor committee member, Dawn Allen, from Pinsent Masons, said: “Yet again this was a huge night that will be remembered for all the right reasons. Will Mellor was a great addition to the judging panel and all the singers were fantastic. They all performed to an exceptional standard, in front of a huge and very supportive audience, and Richard was a very deserving winner.

“Most importantly, thanks to the brilliant support and generosity of the region’s property industry, along with so many other people and companies that work alongside it, we’ve raised an amazing amount of money that will make a huge difference and change the lives of people in Yorkshire.

“The planning has already started for Crypt Factor 2027 and we’re now looking for singers to take part. It’s a unique opportunity to perform in front of an incredibly supportive audience with a professional sound and lighting team, as well as lots of help and support from people who have all performed previously.”

Richard said: “Singing at Crypt Factor in front of so many people was unbelievable and I still can’t believe I won. It’s a genuine one-off experience and everyone there is urging you to do well. For anyone thinking about singing next year, my advice is to go for it!”

Since launching in 2007, Crypt Factor has become one of the North of England’s most successful charity fundraising events, raising more than £1.2m for good causes.

St George’s Crypt has worked with homeless people in Leeds since 1930 and has developed a comprehensive service to combat the revolving door of homelessness and support clients to manage their addictions and deal with issues.

Yorkshire Property Charitable Trust was established in 2015 by members of the property sector in Leeds. Today the trust supports all kinds of charities across Yorkshire and encourages members of the property community to nominate charities, as well as supporting specific projects or the purchase of equipment. It has also match-funded members of the property community in their fundraising efforts.

Anyone wanting more information about Crypt Factor, Yorkshire Property Charitable Trust or to find out about singing in next year’s event, should email gilly@yorkshirepropertycharity.com or DM via the Yorkshire Property Charitable Trust’s LinkedIn page.