ORGANISERS are busy fine-tuning preparations for this year’s Longwood Sing.

Hundreds are expected to flock to the popular annual event, which takes place on Sunday, September 13 at Nab End Tower.

This year the entertainment will be provided by Golcar Brass Band and members of choirs including Huddersfield Choral Society.

Youngsters from Crow Lane Primary School will also be performing a couple of songs.

And in an unusual twist this year, the event will kick off with the singing of the Christmas carol O Come All Ye Faithful.

Charles Ross, Longwood Sing’s chairman, said: “The event has a fantastic, community feel to it and as always we are expecting a very good turnout.

“The most notable change this year is the inclusion of a Christmas carol. This came about when we were thinking of popular hymns for the Sing and thought why save Christmas carols just for singing at Christmas!”

The event always raises money for a local medically-based charity.

This year funds will be given to the Anthony Nolan Trust in memory of Examiner reporter Adrian Sudbury, who died from Leukaemia last August.

Mr Ross said: “The Sings are gaining in popularity in Huddersfield, but Longwood Sing is still the only one that donates all its raised money to charity.

“We have always given money to medically-based charities, but this year decided to do something in honour of Adrian.

“It is an extremely worthwhile cause and very high-profile with local people.

“Also, the idea that it works to raise awareness with kids in schools also ties in with what we’re doing with the event to keep it relevant for the new generation.”

Event organisers are also gearing up for the 2011 Sing, which will mark the 150th anniversary of Nab End Tower being built.

The tower was built by the unemployed in as a way of keeping their skills during the then recession.

There are several special events planned to mark the occasion, including an exhibition at Longwood Mechanics Hall.

Mr Ross said: “The Sings are very distinctive to the area and we’re very much the old granddad.

“It’s a popular event because it brings together all the different groups in Longwood, including the older generation who have grown up with the sing and those who have moved away but come back for the Sing.”

This year’s Longwood Sing kicks off at 2.30pm.