SO much happens in A Night To Remember, Big Ian Donaghy's annual fundraising gathering of York's musical forces, that it would be easy not to remember the beginning.

The guest celebrity bit where dapper dancer Anton du Beke introduces the event on the two big video screens, recorded at his own York Barbican gig.

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York soul singer Jess Steel in her new retro dress, specially made for A Night To Remember. Picture: David Harrison

Like Anton, there is not a step out of place all night, as Donaghy brings cheeky-chappy North Eastern humour and not a little emotion to leading a wonderfully committed team, from musicians and singers, to bucket collection staff, technicians and more besides.

The performers, led by George Hall's house band, gather under a mini-version of the Wembley Arch, and the night's mission is to shine a light on the work of St Leonard's Hospice and York's dementia services.

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Beth McCarthy and Boss Caine performing When You're Gone at A Night To Remember. Picture: David Harrison

Not only through myriad musicians performing myriad cover versions, but also through videos, one edited by Kev Curran, featuring the children of Carr Junior School mirroring the experiences of dementia sufferers; the other, assembling interviews with members of York's Hands And Voices singing and signing choir. As was the case last year, their enjoyment of singing brings the house down.

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Chris Helme, taking a seat for Sandy Denny's Who Knows Where The Time Goes?, at A Night To Remember. Picture: David Harrison

 

Amid the night's cheering is a moment of extraordinary reflection, as Steve Harris and his family gather on the stage only a day after the funeral of Steve's wife Janine to thank St Leonard's for its vital work. Nothing could have spoken louder for why this hospice matters so much.

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Heather Findlay singing Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon at A Night To Remember. Picture: David Harrison

What about the music? The acts keep on coming, from These Jaded Streets to Jess Steel with Jeannie Leech on piano; Simon Snaize's What's Going On; Graham Hodge's Laurel Canyon masterclass; Boss Caine with Beth McCarthy; Kieran O'Malley's fabulous fiddle; Heather Findlay covering Fleetwood Mac; Las Vegas Ken singing Lonnie Donegan; Annie Donaghy, following in her father's footsteps; Chris Helme stopping time with Sandy Kenny's Who Knows Where The Time Goes?; Sam Holden giving You'll Never Walk Alone the aria treatment that could be heard back home in Teesside.

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Irrepressible host Big Ian Donaghy. Picture: David Harrison

There is more, not least Big Ian leading a chain-gang soul version of Rag'n'Bone Man's Human; the song that summed up a night when A Night To To Remember's fund-raising over five years rose to £80,000. Remember that.