IT HAS long been a favourite in the run up to Christmas, and concertgoers will be delighted with the return of a festive evening in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.

Organisers of the hugely popular Countdown to Christmas had thought that last year’s event would be their Final Countdown.

But such was the response to news that the annualfundraiser for the hospice was being rested, that its organisers bowed to public pressure and brought it back.

Their response promises to be a Christmas Cracker of an event with all the musical trimmings.

It is on December 8 at Huddersfield Town Hall with a start time of 7.15pm.

Certainly the menu of music that they have rustled up is enough to put the sparkle into anyone’s festive celebrations.

Concert favourites Hade Edge Band, conducted by Simon Wood, and their junior section, The Honking Hedgers are back but the evening will also feature the talents of Cath Stevenson’s much in demand cabaret group, Miscellany.

Cath, well-known as a teacher and musical director, has brought together some of the best musical talents in the region. Expect music, fun and quality singing.

Broadcaster Paul Clark of Home 107.9 will compère the show.

It is impossible not to get into the festive mood with a Christmas concert which will offer seasonal favourites from Santa Baby to Schneewalzer with solo performances including a xylophone duet and a Christmas cracker medley.

And to get the audience involved in that party atmosphere, 500 Christmas crackers will be distributed amongst the audience to add to the festive feel.

This is a programme to appeal to all the family, sponsored by Wheawill and Sudworth which ensures that all the ticket income will be used to care for patients at Kirkwood.

Tickets are available from Huddersfield and Holmfirth Tourist Information Centres.