Last year's inaugural musicathon raised over £4,000 for our Give-a-Ger campaign (to buy family-sized tents which create a permanent home for street children and homeless families in Mongolia.

Our young people are keen to do it all again - bigger and even better - in 2006, providing singers and players around Ripon and district lend a hand. To help with organisation and to plan the slots, we need to hear from anyone who's interested in taking part soon!

The acts need to cover a total of 1,440 minutes, non-stop – and that's an awful lot of time to fill! Age is no barrier and whether you have a modicum of talent or you're a Grade 8 musician, you are welcome to join in.

The last event had people ranging from 5 to 95, with everyone from complete beginners to professionals all equally well received, so there's no need to be shy.

There are no rules about what to play or sing: from Handel to heavy metal, country & western to classical, brass bands to blues and guitar solos to glockenspiel recitals, an appreciative audience will say 'thank you for the music!'

This year, monies raised will be split 50/50 towards the ger fund (run by British charity CNCF, working with homeless street children in Mongolia) and, nearer to home, a Ripon charity to be nominated by the new Mayor of Ripon.