CAROLS In Kirkgate is a special event. For many, it marks the true beginning of Christmas in York: a chance to forget about your troubles, sit back and listen to some wonderful music in the evocative surroundings of the Castle Museum’s recreated Victorian street.

“The feeling is fabulous in there,” says George Tingle, an 80-year-old veteran of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, which sings the carols together with the Kirkgate Ladies’ Singers. The costumes, and the surroundings of the street, make for a particular magic, he says. “To listen to Silent Night in that setting… it’s fantastic.”

If it’s possible, this year’s event will be even more special than usual, however. Because Carols In Kirkgate, which begin next Tuesday, turn 50.

It’s a milestone to be proud of, says George, who has been a member of the male voice choir for 39 years. “I’ve done it [Carols In Kirkgate] nearly every year,” he says. “It’s really special. I think it’s to do with the costumes, and the fact that you’re going back to the way Christmas was years and years ago.”

The carol concerts date back to 1962, when York Castle Museum curator Robert Patterson had the idea to bring the Kirkgate street alive by creating a perfect Victorian Christmas scene, complete with carol singers.

The idea was supported by Richard B Lister, musical director of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, and one evening of carols took place that year, followed by two the next and three in 1964. A tradition was born.

In the 1970s the carols were recorded for ITV, which broadcast the annual performance for a number of years on Christmas morning.

To mark this 50th anniversary Yorkshire composer Alan Simmons has written a new carol, The Kirkgate Carol, for the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and the Kirkgate Singers to perform.

It is about York, and about how hard it was for people back in Victorian times, says George. And it is special, because it is a carol about our own city.

He sings the first few lines: “When snow lies deep o’er vale and wold, across the stillness of the dawn, the birth of this new winter morn is tolled. Ring out the old, you Minster bells…”

With the anniversary, and the new commissioned song, this year’s carols promise to be an event to remember, says Tony Suckling, chairman of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir.

“It is fantastic that the Carols In Kirkgate have become a real tradition in York; for many people it is the start of their festive programme,” he says. “The choir are proud to have always been part of such a success story, which has been shared with the people of York and visitors from far and wide.”

• Carols In Kirkgate run from Tuesday December 6, to Saturday December 10, with a further performance on Tuesday, December 13. The museum will be open each night from 6pm for festive food, with performances beginning at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £14.50 adults, £12.50 concessions, are available from the Castle Museum on 01904 650333. Last year’s Carols In Kirkgate sold out, as ever, so prompt booking is advised.

• As a further celebration of the 50th anniversary, a Carols In Kirkgate CD has been recorded, which is available from the York Castle Museum shop at £8.