Yoko Ono first performed at the centre in 1967

She will return with a new work to the revamped Bluecoat Arts Centre where she first performed in 1967.

The Bluecoat, one of the UK's oldest arts spaces, reopens in March after a �12.5m refit.

Artistic Director Bryan Biggs said Yoko's exhibition will be "challenging, surprising and interesting".

Wish tree

Mr Biggs said Yoko Ono was thrilled when they approached her to perform at the centre.

He said: "We said we'd like to invite you back to perform, not as Yoko Ono but as an artist - she is a very significant figure.

"We don't know exactly what she'll be doing yet, we know it will last an hour and it will be challenging, surprising and interesting as things always are with Yoko."

The centrepiece of her gallery exhibition will be a wish tree.

A tree is put in a space and visitors are invited to write their wishes on little labels and tie them onto the tree and then at the end of the exhibition they will all go to Yoko's peace centre in Iceland.

"It's like you're part of a global network of people hoping for a better future," Mr Biggs said.