Today sees the start of a fantastic charity-fuelled extravaganza being hosted by the beautiful Union Chapel venue in North Islington. Mencap's Little Sessions ain't so little thank you very much - in fact there are some considerable slices of talent being served up this week and next. Read on, dear charitable reader......

Tonight (16th Nov) sees 4 massive bands giving it their all for a great cause - Editors, Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club and Everything Everything will be strutting their proverbial chops all over the place by the time you read this. A cracking start.

Tuesday 17th November kicks off with another belting brace of RnB queens and kings starting with VV Brown, fresh from releasing her charity single "I Got Soul" with Young Soul Rebels. Marina & The Diamonds and Alphabeat continue the vibe until headlining Soul diva, Alexandra Burke takes to the stage and knocks you dead with her "Bad Boy" anthem and selections from her number one album, "Overcome".

The sessions continue until November 24th with highlights including Mika and Paloma Faith on the 18th, Richard Hawley on the 19th, Lostprophets and The Blackout on the 20th, Florence & The Machines and Golden Silvers on the 22nd, David Gray and Low Anthem on the 23rd and a closing night finale with Newton Faulkner and Scouting For Girls on the 24th. Regrettably, Taio Cruz and Chipmunk are not performing on the 21st Nov as previously advertised. Refunds are available for this cancelled evening.

Tickets cost £40 per evening. Get 'em while they're hot...