Santa pays unseasonable visit to Jimmy Cricket’s Christmas CD recording!

Father Christmas made an unseasonable visit in Rochdale recently when he went to see locally based comedian Jimmy Cricket recording songs for his new CD.

Much-loved entertainer Jimmy was in the middle of putting together the first few songs for his Christmas album at  the Gracieland Studio owned by Rochdale-born singer, song-writer and actress Lisa Stansfield.

Helping him with this was the St Patrick’s RC Primary School choir when Father Christmas stopped by with a special treat – a pair of Jimmy’s famous wellington boots!

This was the perfect gift, as the signature track of Jimmy’s Christmas CD is to do with his famous footwear – Santa bring my wellies back to me.

This CD will be released in September for the Christmas 2016 season and all proceeds are going to the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

Jimmy, 70, said: “It was great that Santa took time out from his off-season to pay us all a visit during what was a very festive recording session, albeit in the middle of summer!

“Santa also landed with a pair of my wellies, which fitted the bill well as the title of the CD is just that!

“Also, I must thank the pupils and staff of St Patrick’s Primary School who all sang their socks off for the songs they are involved with in the album. Their enthusiasm and energy really stood out.

“Add in the sheer professionalism from everyone at Gracieland and this all bodes well for a great Christmas product.

“When it goes on sale in September, those who buy it will know they have made a much-needed contribution to such a worthy cause as Francis House.”

Featured in the photos are Jimmy, Father Christmas and members of the St Patrick’s RC Primary School  choir who are: Roisin Hassett, Ruby Loynd, Gaea Aparis, Liberty Reynolds, Jemima Qureshi and Franchezka Barandino.

* Jimmy’s Christmas CD in aid of the Francis House Children’s Hospice will be out from 1 September. It will be priced at £5 and be available for purchase from either the hospice direct or from the online shop at Jimmy’s website, www.jimmycricket.co.uk