Having raised nearly £30,000 for local charities, an Alderley Edge Christmas tradition is returning to the village centre this month.
The 32nd annual Christmas Carol Concert will return to where it first started in 1981 to be hosted at 15 London Road - which has recently been revamped and opened as The Botanist.
Organised by Fay Wertheimer from the Carlton Ensemble the evening concert will feature a string quartet plus trumpet and trombone, all of whom are professional musicians playing free of charge.
Fay Wertheimer said "The closure in March 2008 of Number 15 Wine Bar could had spelled the end of this lively local tradition which had people fly in from Bermuda and Portugal. But at the request of various stalwarts, family and friends from the Carlton Ensemble, who donate their services, the event has been hosted by The Wizard, The Merlin and last year the Drum & Monkey before seizing the opportunity to get back to grass roots on London Road this year."
Fay added "I'm not Christian but Jewish so going down the religious route would have disrespectful, presumptuous and wrong. Instead, carols were our vehicle for raising money for the community. Everyone from singers, catering and bar staff to our players and my now-grown up kids contributed towards that and we've raised around £27,000 over a couple of depressions, Biafra, the Penrhos boat disaster, homelessness and Aids. Judging by Living Ventures' support, this year promises to work out even better."
This year's concert will take place on Sunday 23rd December. Guests can enjoy a two course festive meal first, at £20 per head - £10 of which goes to your charity of choice. Food will be served at 8pm followed by singing at 9.15pm. Tickets are available from The Botanist on 01625 865637.
Fay added "If you want to come along and just sing please make a donation at the bar and sing your heart out too."
