IT'S been a magnificent Millennium year for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

And as a special "thank you" to everyone who has contributed so far, the appeal staged a spectacular Festival of Christmas Music recently.

More than 1,000 people braved the bad weather to visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Ice Arena on December 9 to sit back, relax and enjoy a packed bill of dance, music and festive song.

Compering the show was Blackpool Tower Circus's former ringmaster for 25 years, Norman Barrett, who introduced the 52-strong Lytham Hall Park Primary School choir, in fine voice under the guidance of choirmaster Peter Jepson.

Also on hand to delight and amaze was the Tiptoes Theatre School performing "A Christmas Surprise". Elaine Fossett, deputy director of fundraising for the appeal, glowed with pride when she said: "As far as I am concerned they are the best dance and theatre group between John O'Groats and Lands End." Elaine also praised the spectacular ice skating from Blackpool's young skaters Harriet Crowther and Sam Naylor, who set their dance to Robbie Williams' She's The One, inter-gold medallist amateur skater Christina Park and Hot Ice stars Natalia Pestova, Alexei Kislitsyn and Sergei Vaipan.

And to make sure the roof was well and truly raised there were powerful performances from the 35-piece North West Infantry Band, Blackpool Male Voice Choir and Blackpool Ladies Choir.

Although the show was free, the Macmillan Appeal still managed to raise a very respectable £3,500 through the sale of colour programmes and donations.

Elaine said: "I can never speak highly enough of the people of Blackpool and they have given us superb support throughout the year. I really can't thank everyone enough."

And the news keeps on getting better as Elaine added that the appeal is on the brink of hitting the million pound mark. They are aiming to reach £1 million by February 1, and Squires Gate internet company ITM Communications has promised that if the appeal can raise £83,000 before this date they will match it. This would bring ITM's contribution to a third of a million, which would take the appeal total to the sought -- after million mark.

Elaine said: "With fundraising one is always hopeful and always pleasantly surprised. If it wasn't for the generosity of the people we wouldn't be anywhere near the million mark -- instead we are racing towards it!"

Anyone interested in making a donation to help them get one step closer to a cancer unit on the Fylde coast should call the Macmillan Windmill Appeal on 303145.