YORK'S Community Carol Concert will be staged at a new venue this year after losing its traditional home - the Barbican Centre - to redevelopment.

But the organisers say the new location has one massive advantage over the city centre leisure centre - free parking.

The concert, which raises thousands of pounds for charity every year, will be held at 2.30pm on Sunday, December 5, at the University of York's Central Hall.

Organising secretary Graham Bradbury said the redevelopment of the Barbican was due to start straight after the UK Snooker Championships had finished, so the concert could not be held there this year.

"Although we are very disappointed to lose the Barbican this year, we are delighted that we have been able to secure the Central Hall," he said.

"The auditorium will hold just over 1,000 people, somewhat smaller than the Barbican, but it does have the added advantage of ample FREE car parking on the campus.

"We are confident this year's concert will still be a success."

He said City of York Council had assisted by allowing the Barbican to sell tickets for the event from its box office until its closure on November 30.

Tadcaster Grammar School Band, Appleton Roebuck Junior School Choir, Fanfare, Main Street Sound, All Saints' (Upper Poppleton) Church Choir and soprano Toni Feetenby had all accepted invitations to take part.

"The Rev Andrew Foster (York Hospital chaplain) will be the master of ceremonies and, as usual, John Warburton, the musical director, will be conducting the Community Carol singing," said Mr Bradbury.

Tickets, all priced at £5, will go on sale at the Barbican from Monday, August 2, with profits going to The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York's Christmas Cheer Fund and the Evening Press Community Appeal.

Mr Bradbury said that last year's event raised £1,000 for each appeal and also extra funds for Friends of York Hospital.

Updated: 09:26 Saturday, July 24, 2004