Guide Dogs Concert will be a Christmas Cracker

The second annual A Guide Dogs Christmas Cracker will feature festive and non-festive music and will be staged atSt Mark’s church, Rugby Road, in Leamington, on December 5.

The concert will feature Warwickshire’s professional four-part a cappella choir, Vivo!, tenor-horn virtuoso, Paul Bennett, and bass trombonist, Richard Batten.

And returning for the second year running will be Solihull brass players, the Shirley Band, which includes musicians from Leamington.

Richard Robinson, of Whitnash, who fundraises for Guide Dogs, plays baritone-horn with the Shirley Band and helped organise the concert.

He said: “The Christmas concert will include some fantastic performances, from the band, choral group and some amazing soloists. It promises to be a real Christmas cracker.”

Marianne Griffiths, who works for Guide Dogs as a trainee Guide Dog trainer and sings soprano with Vivo!, said: “We are delighted to be performing in aid of the charity.

“With no Government funding for the charity, Guide Dogs relies on the generosity of the public which helps the charity to provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially-sighted people. The lifetime cost of a Guide Dog is around £50,000.”

The concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from and are priced £5.50 for adults, £4 for concessions (over-60s and students), and are free for children under 12.

Or phone 07725 551374 for tickets.

Refreshments and Guide Dog gifts for Christmas will be available on the evening.

And of course, All guide dogs are welcome.