At just a few days' notice, The Regulars have taken up the challenge of an appearance at the Bearos Records Christmas special this Friday - and with it the terrifying prospect of a seasonal tweecore cover version.

The gig goes ahead on 21 December at Birmingham's Jug of Ale, with other Bearos artists in on the act, and each having to perform a Christmas ditty of their choosing.

And for the second year running, the Regs have elected to shun the yuletide rock 'n' roll canon in favour of a jolly carol.

Last year's corresponding gig saw the band turn out a twinkly acoustic rendition of the Christina Rosetti classic In the bleak mid-winter. For 2001, meanwhile, The Regulars have hurriedly thrown together an innovative arrangement of Ding, dong! Merrily on high.

With other acts including Ogs Bunkadoo Band, Baxxter, The Starries and Ben Calvert set to appear with festive entertainment of their own - and Baxxter's 2000 interpretation of 'Silent night' still fresh in the memory - this Friday's gig ought to be a fun-filled cracker of a night. And the latest twisted scheme from the mind of Bearos' evil mastermind the Doc is Christmas karaoke.

For more details on the gig, including times and directions, keep an eye on the gigs page.