Newstalk ZB's Tim Beveridge fundraising for hospice with Christmas concert

Christmas is a time to get together with those we love - but for many people it's also tinged with heartbreak as they remember family and friends who have died.

In the spirit of the season, Newstalk ZB radio host and singer Tim Beveridge is hosting a Christmas concert at the Auckland Town Hall to support Mercy Hospice and Dove House.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas will feature the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, with special guest Rebecca Nelson.

It's Beveridge's fifth year running the concert, which was inspired after a close friend went through treatment at Dove House.

"The whole point of Christmas is spending time with family," Beveridge said.

"But through meeting people at the hospice, I realised that at Christmas a lot of families are thinking of family members who are no longer with them - or they're going through a really tough time with serious illness.

"Anyone who's had anything to do with hospice knows the people who work there are phenomenal ... So this is supporting them but it's also celebrating the work they do."

Newstalk ZB host Tim Beveridge rehearses with the Royal NZ Navy Band at Fort Cautley ahead of Saturday's Christmas concert at the Town Hall in Auckland. Photo / Greg Bowker

The concert will include Christmas favourites like Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Chestnuts Roasting (The Christmas Song), White Christmas, Silent Night, and big-band classics including New York, New York, and I've Got You Under my Skin, Beveridge said.

"It's a chance to get away from the craziness and enjoy some great music and support the hospice at the same time."

Beveridge admitted organising the concert was hard work. "I'm a glutton for punishment but the rewards are worth it in the end."

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is on this Saturday, December 16 at the Auckland Town Hall. For tickets go to Ticketmaster.co.nz.