THE Huge Age UK York Grand Halloween Ball in the Ebor Suite at York Racecourse last Saturday was a wonderful evening of live music and conversation to bring the community together.

"The audience wanted to dance all night so we ended up playing one set of two hours 40 minutes: that's a Springsteen-length show," said Huge frontman Big Ian Donaghy, who painted his face in the style of a terrifying clown as he hosted the black-tie & ghoulish event.

"Everyone entered into the spooky Halloween theme with face-painting and fancy dress; all of Huge had the Michael Jackson Thriller treatment, apart from Kempy, the sax player, who was a tiger a la Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights."

Huge's keyboard player, George Hall, accompanied former Les Dawson Show dancer Audrey Leybourne, now 90, in a medley of Marilyn Monroe favourites as she defied her date of birth in sprightly fashion, very much in the spirit of Age UK.

"This Christmas, Audrey will be performing twice daily as Mrs Potts in the Grand Opera House panto Beauty And The Beast, a feat many would cower from at half her age," said Big Ian.

"I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Age UK ball and was given a very warm welcome," said Audrey, who was once one of Les Dawson's tap-dancing Roly Polys. "It was a wonderful event for a wonderful cause," she added.

The evening marked Age UK's vital work in York to combat loneliness with its clubs and services, and the event was attended by tables from Wellburn Care Homes, Crombie Wilkinson, WJP Creers and Riccall Carers, as well as friends of the organisation.

York Press:

Grand Opera House pantomime star Audrey Leybourne performing at the Huge Age UK York Grand Halloween Ball, with host and Huge singer Big Ian Donaghy looking on. Picture: David Harrison

The occasion also highlighted the links that Age UK has with Xmas Presence, the free Christmas Day party that Big Ian throws with a team of volunteers each year, this time taking place at The Edge at Wentworth College, University of York.

"Age UK in York is invaluable to the community. It provides wonderful clubs for socialisation and togetherness. Loneliness is a major problem in York, so these regular activities are crucial," said Big Ian.

"What a fantastic evening to celebrate the work we are doing, forging relationships and raising over £2,000 for our Home from Hospital services," said Sally Hutchinson, from Age UK York

"It was a great night; Huge had the dancefloor rammed from the first to the last note and Audrey was incredible. What a star! Our next event is Xmas Presence with Big Ian and friends combatting loneliness on Christmas Day; I hope all of this face-paint washes off before then!"

Huge, the York party band with a repertoire spanning The Who, Olly Murs, Take That, Bruno Mars, Northern Soul and Kaiser Chiefs, will next be performing this Sunday at York Maze to a 5,000 crowd on Bonfire Night.

As well as Huge in the marquee, York Maze's sold-out 4.30pm to 10.30pm Fireworks Spectacular will feature a giant bonfire, a fire-eating and pyro-juggling show, a children’s play area, fairground stalls, food stalls, a bar and...fireworks, of course!