The X Factor’s Rhydian (pictured), his accompanist Derek Paravacini, and the Giant Gospel Choir are set to get Oxford Town Hall’s roof tiles rattling at a charity concert on February 25. The concert is in aid of Music for Autism, and it has been organised by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Marie-Jane Barnett, as a sign-off event at the end of her year in office. When we met up, I asked her: why a concert, and what had decided her to raise money for Music for Autism in particular?

“I personally love music. I used to organise concerts in our barn at home in aid of various causes: it was easy, we didn’t have to set up a committee, it was just me doing it. I did it for about 20 years running: we had Humphrey Lyttelton, we had Chris Barber on one occasion. So when I became High Sheriff, I wanted to do something musical. I know [locally based conductor] John Lubbock, who has already done work with Music for Autism, so I thought it would be good to join up with him. After my year as High Sheriff is over, I’d like to do more — perhaps music in care homes.”

Rhydian Roberts, to give him his full name, sings everything from opera to pop. He is known for his fan club, famed for their uninhibited enthusiasm.

“Who knows, I might get carried away, and take part!” Marie-Jane laughed. “The dignity of my office might go out of the window! I’m hoping to perform with the Gospel Choir, maybe in their final number. I love singing, and if people ask whether I’m a contralto or a soprano, I have to confess I love jazz — I’m a B flat sort of girl.”

n Full details and tickets for the concert are available from www.oxboffice.com or on 0845 680 1926.