THEY were singing in the rain this morning - and getting ready to wow London.

Coachloads of choristers from around Huddersfield set off for a date at London's Royal Albert Hall.

And musical director Malcolm Fairless (right) is seen toning up the voices of (from left) Frank Crampton, Malcolm Arthur, Kath Arthur and Eric Lord, before they load vital supplies on to their coach.

About 1,300 singers will take part in the sixth Yorkshire Festival of Music tomorrow, in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Organisers Pauline Turner and husband David, who will appear on-stage, made sure all the singers were on board.

"The height of any amateur singer's career is to appear on that stage," said David, 64.

"It's also a fun event because Gledholt Male Voice Choir organises a busking session in Covent Garden on Sunday morning."

In 2000, more than 500 choristers collected £1,500 in 50 minutes.

Tomorrow night there will be more than 50 choirs celebrating the region's musical heritage.

This year's event has been a sell-out, with just under 5,000 tickets being snapped up.

Most of the audience travel from the North.

The night will be compered by Huddersfield-born `Allo `Allo star Gorden Kaye.

The current European Brass Band champions, The Yorkshire Building Society Band, and the renowned Sellers International Band will accompany the choirs as they showcase a variety of musical styles from hymns to modern tunes including the Hallelujah Chorus and Pomp and Circumstance.

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