YORK musician Simon Snaize was so moved when looking out into the York Barbican audience at last year's A Night To Remember, he wrote a song there and then.

Simon found himself putting down his acoustic guitar in the house band with two songs to go, and promptly picked up a pen behind his music stand to start jotting down ideas for a song.

"Those initial doodlings became Lift You Up," says concert organiser Ian Donaghy, whose annual event will return on March 13, with Snaize participating once more.

"Simon sent the original demo to me in New York, as we were on holiday. My daughter Annie and I listened to it in Central Park and loved it first time.

"Simon then took on a labour of love with a fantastic team of singers and musicians to record the song, now available to download at simonsnaize.bandcamp.com/track/lift-you-up."

Lift You Up's recording features vocals by Heather Findlay, Jess Steel, Big Ian, Annie Donaghy and These Jaded Streets, along with musicians Kieran O'Malley, Jennifer Chubb, George Hall, David Clements and Steve Beighton, superstar saxophone player to Take That, Paul Carrack and Will Young.

“Everybody has brought so much to it.We’re so proud of the job everyone has done. York has so much talent," says Big Ian. "The more people download it, the more money that two charities, Bloodwise and St Leonard's Hospice will make. So please download it, for only a quid. That’s a third of a posh coffee or a pint!"

Lift You Up will be played on BBC Radio York and Minster FM and the song is further supported by a video made by Simon Wallace.

Donaghy, the Huge party band frontman, and his York luminary line-up will be returning to York Barbican on March 13 to perform in aid of dementia projects in York, St Leonard’s Hospice, Bereaved Children Support and Accessible Arts & Media.

"Blessed with a 7.30pm line-up featuring Jess Steel, Heather Findlay, Beth McCarthy, Gary Stewart, the Hands & Voices singing and signing choir and many others, it's no surprise that fewer than 150 tickets remain on sale," says Big Ian.

"Over the past six years A Night To Remember has gained a special place in York’s hearts as a very special evening where the community comes together to make a difference. Many have said how emotional an evening it is with heartfelt performances and powerful short films."

Tickets are on sale at £12 to £17.55 on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or in person from the Barbican box office.

FAITH, The George Michael Legacy visits York Barbican tomorrow in a vibrant celebration of more than three decades of hits from the late George’s Wham! and solo career.

This feel-good tribute show "will have you dancing in the aisles for the biggest party night of the year" in a 7.30pm performance of such favourites as Freedom!, Club Tropicana, Careless Whisper, Faith, Jesus To A Child, Fastlove and Outside, brought to life anew by a "fantastic cast and sensational live band".

Charles Hutchinson