Every year since 1961, usually in the first week in December, the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir has been performing carols, sketches and humourous readings.

For the first 50 years these were called Carols in Kirkgate. After a few years being held at the Merchant Adventurers Hall in Fossgate, they are nowadays held in the De Grey rooms and are known as Christmas Traditions.

The format is much the same with the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir assisted by the usual ladies choir. Whereas in 2011 we could seat 150 in the audience for each performance over seven nights, now we can only seat 110 for each performance over five nights.

This year you can get tickets for this event, which will take place daily in the De Grey Rooms at 7.30pm from Monday, December 3 to Friday, December 7 inclusive, from the Theatre Royal website (yorktheatreroyal.co.uk) or the box office, phone 01904 623568.

Terry Yates, Escrick, York