Rufus Wainwright recently announced his plans for a Christmas party in London.

Nothing too big or fancy: it will only take place at the Royal Albert Hall, on December 9th.

Rufus will gather a small committee of friends and family, including his younger sis Martha Wainwright, musical peers Boy George, Ed Harcourt, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey and folk dynasty The Thompsons (Teddy, Kami, Linda), chief-beatboxer Shlomo, soprano Janis Kelly, Jenni Muldaur, plus she-comedians Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, for "A Not So Silent Night" as the extravaganza has been baptised.

Rufus sees this as an opportunity for "an off-the-cuff evening of friends and family kind-of popping on-and-off stage as if the stage was our living room".

Decent treat prior to the actual big day that is, with tickets ranging from £35.00 to £70.00, plus booking fee - on sale now. VIP packages are also available at the very 'occasional' price of £500.00 (including premium seats, entry to the afterparty with all the performers, and a goodie bag), to benefit cancer research through the Kate McGarrigle Fund.

Solange Moffi