The annual fundraising concert, sponsored by World of Brass, for trumpet player Clarence Adoo is set to reach its 15th anniversary this year.

Top performers

'Northern Highlights' brings together top performers, and has already raised over £25,000 for the ongoing care of Clarence, who was one of the country's top trumpeters with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, before being paralysed from the shoulders down in a car accident in 1995, aged 35.

As Clarence was not entitled to insurance payments, a fund — The Clarence Adoo Trust — was set up to enable him to purchase specialised equipment necessary to retain an active and independent life.

Time and place

This year's concert on 16th July at Castleford Salvation Army will feature National finalists and Grand Shield champion Carlton Main Frickley Colliery directed by Ian McElligott, with guest soloists Katrina Marzella and vocalist Hayley Stubbs. Castleford Salvation Army Songsters will also take part in a programme full of fine music making.

Clarence has retained a role with the Royal Northern Sinfonia as Education Animateur and gives numerous inspirational visits to schools, colleges and adult groups in the north of England to lead music workshops or discussions on music and composers. He has been selected on several occasions for the panel of BBC Young Musician of the Year.

Grateful

He told 4BR: "I'm enormously grateful for the support Northern Highlights has given me over the past 15 years. Over that period, it has seen hundreds of musicians and thousands of concert-goers come together to raise money to help me to live life to the full. It has also created so many happy memories.

I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved over the years, especially the organisers, including Derek Ward, who started the concert up and kept it going for so long.

This year's anniversary concert promises to be something really special indeed, and I strongly encourage people to come along and support it if you can."

Clarence has retained a role with the Royal Northern Sinfonia as Education Animateur and gives numerous inspirational visits to schools, colleges and adult groups in the north of England4BR

Concert details

The concert starts at 7.00pm and will take place at Castleford Salvation Army, Booth Street (WF10 1SA)

Tickets are £8 and £6 (concessions) and can be booked by calling 07527 178 039 or emailing philipwainwright@hotmail.co.uk