A POPULAR live music fundraiser which gets York rocking is set to return to the city after a break during the pandemic.

Every year the York Rocks Against Cancer event brings together local musicians and celebrities who volunteer their time and energy to raise vital funds for the cancer charity.

Ian Surgenor, of YAC Promotion, has raised nearly £70,000 to date for York Against Cancer.

Mr Surgenor said: "This will be the fifth York Rocks Against Cancer and we’re going for a different set up this year - instead of bringing bands on and off stage, we’re having a house band that will remain on stage for most of the performance.

"There will be much more in the way of videos, dancers and audience participation and we have even got Shepherds Brass Band to keep it truly Yorkshire."

The cast of ITV’s Emmerdale will return as rock and pop covers band, Main Street, and up-and-coming York band, Skylights, will headline. Some of the best singers and musicians from York and surrounding areas will join them to perform on the night, including Marshall Nattrass, Bella, Mal Fry, Ryan Martin, The Micky Stockburn Band, Andy Doonan and Sister Madly.

Julie Russell, general manager of York Against Cancer said: “Ian and his friends have done so much over the years for our charity and we’re so grateful for their continued support.

"York Rocks is always a hugely popular event, and we expect this year to be a sell-out. Thank you in advance to everyone giving up their time and talent to fundraise and support local people and families touched by cancer.”

The live music fundraiser, hosted by Jorvik Radio , will be held at York Barbican on January 8 2022.

Tickets are priced at £15 and can be purchased on the York Barbican website.

York Rocks promotional events are taking place over the coming months – follow York Against Cancer on social media for dates and venues.