IT WAS a great show with some blooming brilliant vocal performances.
And the Cleethorpes In Bloom Christmas Concert raised hundreds of pounds for the dedicated group to keep the resort looking its best, in all its floral glory.
Chairman Bob Callison described the concert as "a fitting end to a fantastic year", in which Cleethorpes won a gold award in the Champion of Champions competition, judged alongside the best towns in the country.
"Despite numerous other events, late night shopping and the terrible weather on Thursday, people still came out to support us and we can't thank them enough," he said.
The evening featured headliners Amore Voce – classical singers Leroy Vickers and Martin Jackson – and the Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes Band, both acts returning after performing at the group's first concert, last year. Also, appearing for the first time were the Louth Male Voice Choir – who, interestingly, opened with a New Zealand haka – and 17-year-old soprano Jodie Watson, who brought the house down with some classic Etta James and big crowd-pleaser, Andrea Bocelli's Time To Say Goodbye.
Bob added: "The guys we had last year are true professionals and they were fantastic but it was really good to bring something new to this year's event and they all performed brilliantly."
There was a near disaster as tenor Leroy Vickers fell on his face while entering the stage for the finalé.
However he was good humoured about the embarrassment, as was compere Richard Lyon when he was forced into performing "the most requested classical song in history" with Amore Voce – the Go Compare theme tune.
Mr Vickers said: "It all adds to the fun of it and things like that make the show very relaxed and funny – I just had to laugh about it."
Singing partner Martin Jackson said: "It was a really relaxed night and enjoyable for everyone, including us."
Super-fan Rose Donaldson-Newman, 74, of Philip Grove had a great time – as she does at all the Leroy Vickers' concerts she has attended all around the country.
"I've followed him since day one and he was as fantastic tonight as he always is.
"He has a fantastic voice and a big heart, too."
Alan Clift, 78, of Doughty Road, Grimsby, said: "Not only does he have a great voice but he's got a good sense of humour too.
"All the performers were great and we have had a really good time – as we did when we came last year."
See more about Christmas events in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire
