A CHARITY’s biggest regional fundraiser is on track to be a huge success again – with more than 70 per cent of tickets being sold within 24 hours.

The annual Ripon Carol Concert, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, has raised more than £150,000 over the past six years – and brought in £32,000 last year alone.

This year’s event will be held on December 10, once again in Ripon Cathedral, and members of the public are asked to arrive by 7pm so the concert can begin at 7.30pm.

Music will be provided by choirs from Aysgarth School at Bedale supported by musicians from Queen Mary’s School near Topcliffe.

Speakers will include Julian Norton of Channel 5’s Yorkshire Vet; TV presenter Christine Talbot; Peter Scrope, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire; and Claire Singlehurst, director of regional fundraising at Macmillan Cancer Support.

Aysgarth head Rob Morse said: “It is an absolute honour to continue to be asked to perform in such a prestigious setting and support such a very worthwhile cause that sadly touches so many lives.

“The carol concert is one of the major highlights of the year for the school with over half of our pupils making up the three choirs that will be performing. The boys have been rehearsing six days a week since September and our director of music started preparations as early as May this year.

Tickets for the concert are currently on sale with prices ranging from £10 to £30. Tickets can be bought online via riponcarolconcert.co.uk or from the cathedral shop. Cost of the ticket includes a glass of sloe gin and mince pie following the performance.