Elgin MND fundraiser to jazz up Christmas

SOME of the country's finest jazz musicians will form a big band for a sparkling Elgin Christmas concert this December.

Now in its fifth year, the stage is set for a return of Let It Snow to St Giles Church. Organisers promise "crowd-pleasing, feel-good performances" that will bring some Christmas magic to the region.

Let It Snow began in 2015 as a fundraiser for Lucy’s Fight, a campaign set up by Elgin woman Lucy Lintott, the youngest person in Scotland living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Lucy’s Fight raises money for the charity MND Scotland and works to heighten awareness of MND.

Every year since, top jazz musicians from throughout the country have teamed up with local talent for a big band performance to help the cause. Let It Snow has raised more than £6,500 for Lucy's Fight so far.

The big band will be led this year by trumpet player Joshua Elcock. Guest singers are still to be announced and the line-up will feature a community choir.

Moray-born producer Ryan Mackenzie (24), who has worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber and singers Pixie Lott and Ariana Grande, promised this year’s show will be the best yet.

He said: "I’m delighted that Let It Snow is back for the fifth year. What started as a small fundraiser for Lucy’s Fight has become one of the most anticipated events in Moray’s festive calendar and it's so exciting to see it grow each year.

"To celebrate our first milestone, we’re planning an incredibly special concert, showcasing a host of local talent alongside some of the country’s finest jazz musicians.

"I’m also delighted to be part of such a special event and help such a great cause like Lucy’s Fight."

Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s head of fundraising, said: "Every year the Let It Snow event gets bigger and better, and this year will be no exception. So make sure you get your tickets before they’re gone.

"I’d like to say a huge thanks to Ryan and everyone involved in organising such a fantastic event, and for supporting Lucy’s Fight for MND Scotland. All money raised will go towards helping families across Scotland who are affected by this devastating disease and funding research to find a cure."

The show organisers are on the lookout for sponsors to back the popular annual fundraiser. Earlier this month Ryan said: "I love that Let It Snow has gotten to the standard that it has – but it now costs so much to run."

Let It Snow will run for three performances, on December 20 at 7.30pm, and December 21 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets, costing £18 for adults and £16 for children, are available from www.forteproductions.co.uk or from IT Central, 37 South Street, Elgin.

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