A CHRISTMAS charity concert called Thank You For The Music is being organised at The Forum Music Studios in Darlington on December 19 by Viveca Bradshaw of Abbey Road Vocal Studios.

The event has been held annually for 12 years, acting as a showcase for students while raising money for charity.

Viveca said: “It’s always a massive success and the students love it.

"We couldn’t do it last year which was such a shame.”

Read more: What Darlington's Forum did to give 'purpose and hope' to local musicians during lockdown

Cyndi Hughes, Mayor of Darlington, said: “It just wouldn’t be the holidays if Viveca Bradshaw didn’t organise her charity extravaganza, 'Thank You for the Music' featuring local talent that she’s personally guided and inspired over the years.

“I am doubly excited about the event this year as my son James (one of Viveca’s former students) and his partner, Maria, will be performing and Viveca will be generously donating the proceeds of this year’s event to my Mayoral Charity Fund in aid of Darlington Mind and St. Teresa’s Hospice.

“It’s fantastic that this wonderful, live music event will be back this December.”

Read more: Darlington Hippodrome welcomes Cinderella pantomime this Christmas

In previous years, funds raised have been donated to various causes including the RVI in Newcastle, Age UK and Teenage Cancer Trust.

An afternoon session from 1pm onwards is for the younger students to perform and the evening session starts from roughly 6pm for older students.

Viveca said: “I love teaching singing so it's always a pleasure to see students get up and perform and enjoy themselves, singing is supposed to be fun afterall.

"The afternoon session is always quieter so we recommend people book tickets for that session if they want to support local talent." 

Tickets cost £20 each and include a buffet, they can be purchased via the Abbey Road Vocal Studios Facebook page. 

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054