Midleton is set to become the Munster capital for one night only on Friday, 29 November. The east Cork town will be host a gala Christmas market celebration in support of various local causes. Celebrity couple Gerald Kean and Lisa Murphy will open and compere the proceedings on the night.

Local stars Crystal Swing will be right at the heart of the action when they join The Working Together Choir as they jointly perform their new Christmas single, Hard Times. The famous song was composed by American writer Stephen Foster in the 19th century, a man with roots in Ulster.

Adding a further touch to the celebrations is the fact that Mary Burke from Crystal Swing celebrates her 50th on the same weekend.

A marquee is being put in place for the celebrations in Midleton and the Hard Times single will be released on the night. It is hoped that it will bounce into the Irish charts for the Christmas season and Crystal Swing and the Choir will perform it together before what should be a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Mary from Crystal Swing is delighted with the early response to the venture.

“I turn 50 next week as well, so I'm hoping that I can look back on my 50th birthday and say I did something positive to help others. The event is generating huge enthusiasm throughout the region. Loads of special stalls will form part of the festivities as the community rallies to the Working Together theme.

“The choir will be beautifully clad in black and red cloaks. All revenue generated from the CD will go to Cancer Research, St Vincent de Paul, The Lions Club, Penny Dinners and East Cork Rapid Response and local girl Aimee Foley who suffers from a rare disease.

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“The Midleton Town Council and local businesses are all on board 100%. It was the brainchild of local man Paddy Murray who approached us back in June to invite us on board. With Gerald Keane and Lisa Murphy bringing their expertise to the show, it should be a truly memorable night in Midleton. We are inviting the whole country to join us on the night.”

And have a nice birthday Mary.