IAN Donaghy's unforgettable fundraising show, A Night To Remember, will return to York Barbican on March 3.
Since running the Christmas charity event Xmas Presence at the University of York on Christmas Day, Big Ian has been searching for sponsorship for his Barbican bash.
"I'm proud to announce that, with the support of Haxby Group Practice, Pharmacy and Business Group, the show is in profit before a single seat is sold," he says. "Very few shows can say that before a downbeat. So, from the first £15 ticket, £15 will go straight to our nominated charities, St Leonard’s Hospice, Dementia Projects in York, Bereaved Children Support in York and Accessible Arts.
Heather Findlay performing at A Night To Remember in 2017
"There'll be tears but so much joy at our concert. A Night to Remember is all about the city coming together to answer a need, highlighting the power of kindness and togetherness, and all the charities chosen mean so much to me, be it dementia, helping people during end of life at St Leonard’s Hospice, supporting families when they lose a loved one or giving people with learning difficulties exciting opportunities to perform."
A Night To Remember has become a York tradition and now enters its sixth year with Big Ian’s Avengers re-gathering at the venue where he played the very first gig with his band Huge 27 years ago. He has assembled an all-star house band for a show that will feature Chris Helme & Chris Farrell, Heather Findlay, Boss Caine, Jess Steel, Beth McCarthy, Graham Hodge, These Jaded Streets, Rob Wilson, and fiddler Kieran O'Malley.
Jess Steel on song at A Night To Remember last year
The evenings have become associated with debuting thought-provoking short films too, such as I Ain’t Got Me Mam, which was shown in cinemas all over the region and on BBC Look North, using eight year olds from Carr Junior School to raise dementia awareness.
"We have a very special musical feature planned this year that will melt the iciest of hearts and we'll also be debuting a film made to celebrate the inspirational work done by Jo Cole and her families at Bereaved Children Support York," says Big Ian.
In previous years, more than half the tickets have gone in the first week. "So we can’t stress how important to get groups sorted in advance ready for when they go on sale next week at yorkbarbican.co.uk and on 0844 854 2757," says Ian.
A Night To Remember organiser and master of ceremonies Ian Donaghy with Las Vegas Ken, left, and fiddler Kieran O'Malley at last year's concert
"It'll be more of an ensemble show this time with many numbers having 20 performers on stage, all singing in harmony with a rifle-shot tight band led by maestro musical director George Hall. Taking part will be some of the finest talents in the city, often playing music you wouldn’t expect them to play.
"At £15 or £10 for concessions, it's one of the cheapest shows at the Barbican for three hours of quality live music with a setlist as diverse as Elton John, Dolly Parton, The Carpenters and Marvin Gaye. Expect to laugh, cry, sing along and feel part of something amazing. All we promise is A Night To Remember."
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