ORGANISERS of York's annual community carol concert were today celebrating the news that the event is returning to the city's Barbican Centre this year.

The concert - now in its 48th year - will be held on November 27, which is the week before the UK Snooker Championships are held at the same venue.

As ever, the money raised will go to charities chosen by the Lord Mayor of York, who this year is Coun Janet Greenwood.

Last year the carol concert took place in December at the University of York's Central Hall.

The money raised was split between two charities - York One World Linking Association and York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation.

Those taking part were encouraged to sing, celebrate and donate funds - which also benefited the Evening Press Community Appeal for the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital.

Graham Bradbury, this year's event organiser, said: "We are delighted to be returning to our traditional home in the centre of the city.

"However, we are extremely grateful to the staff at the Central Hall, University of York, where the event was held last year, who had provisionally booked space for this year's concert."

Taking part in the celebration will be Tadcaster Grammar School Band, Queen Margaret's School Junior Choir, Stamford Bridge Primary School Choir, Abbey Belles Ladies Chorus, steel band Steel Expression and soloist Steve Cassidy.

Master of Ceremonies will again be the Rev Andrew Foster, and the conductor of the community singing will as usual be musical director John Warburton.

All tickets cost £5 and will be available from the Box Office at the Grand Opera House, York, from Thursday, and can be paid for by cash or cheque only.

City of York Council and Barbican operators Absolute Leisure have provided free car parking permits for the Kent Street and Barbican car parks and these can be collected if required when concert tickets are bought.

Mr Bradbury said: "York's Annual Community Carol Concert has long been a favourite way to start your Christmas celebrations and we are hoping that a capacity audience will boost the proceeds going to The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York's Christmas Cheer Fund and the Evening Press Community Appeal."

Updated: 12:02 Tuesday, August 30, 2005