CHRISTMAS is coming early to Haworth as the village hosts the annual festive Groovy Happening.

Organisers of the popular monthly live music night promise a Happening party night on Saturday, December 3 to start the Yuletide season in style.

There will be four “brilliant” acts at the Parkside Social Club, Butt Lane, with a pledge that people will end the night dancing.

Along with the music, a highlight will be the annual presentation of a cheque to Manorlands, this year for £4,400, bringing the total raised for the hospice by the Groovy Happening to £21,000.

Taking to the stage will be eight-piece party band Radio City, who have been playing regularly across the Yorkshire area for many years at private functions, weddings, pubs and local events.

Groovy spokesman Ann Wiles said: “The band’s wealth of experience offers a great mix of music from the 60s to present day!

“Remember last year’s brilliant Christmas party? Tonight we can look forward to hearing vocalists Sarah, Lesley and Suzy singing their hearts out to some fantastic classic tracks.”

Also performing will be John Bruce, who has been playing for many years in bands, but nowadays concentrates on his solo acoustic singing act with a huge repertoire of music from folk to pop.

At the Happening, however, the artist will front the John Bruce Trio with John Brooksbank on bass guitar and Steve Gibson on drums.

Ann said: “They will be entertaining us with a good selection of favourite songs and a few Christmas crackers.”

Renowned duo Felka have built a local following with several recent gigs in Keighley and the Worth Valley, but this is the first time they’re playing the Groovy Happening.

Ann said: “We are so pleased to have Felka here. Felka is Rose and Tanisha, a female acoustic duo with a brassy performance of confident harmonies and brazen lyrics.

“They have been making waves around Yorkshire with their signature songs; a mix of folk, soul and pop.”

The last act on the roster will also be a familiar face to local music lovers – blues singer-guitarist Ben “Blue” Waters, who has hosted regular blues and roots nights in Ingrow, Riddlesden and Haworth.

Ann said: “Ben is a slide guitarist playing foot-stomping blues and boogie on an acoustic guitar which he holds upside down.

“He has been a gigging musician for 40 years and plays regularly around Yorkshire, Lancashire and beyond.

“Expect to hear blues classics by Son House, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and others, as well as a few of his own compositions. Perfect start to the evening!”

Groovy Happening will be at the Parkside Social Club, Butt Lane, Haworth, with doors opening at 7.30pm.

Admission is £3 on the door, with a disco and a raffle to raise further funds for Manorlands in Oxenhope.

The Groovy Happening is currently selling raffle tickets for a major draw to celebrate its fifth birthday.

The first prize is a framed collection of six platinum discs for the album (What's The Story) Morning Glory presented to Paul Weller by the band Oasis.