The Pogues Re-release 'Fairytale Of New York'

The Pogues are set to re-release ‘Fairytale Of New York’ this December in an attempt to claim this year’s Christmas Number 1.

Shane McGowan and Co won’t have it all their own way though as this year Santa his attempting to achieve his first ever chart success. He’s recorded ‘(Is This The Way To) Santa’s Grotto’, a rip off of Tony Christie’s Amarillo, reports The Sun.

The Pogues re-release comes after Warner Music executives suggested the idea to band member Spider Stacey last week. The song was first released in 1987 and reached Number 2.

A source told the paper: “Fairytale Of New York is an adult answer to Jingle Bells. It’s difficult to remember a Christmas party without a drunken singalong with The Pogues.”

“The label were keen to re-release the song because a whole new generation of fans have heard Shane through his association with Kate Moss and Pete Doherty. It is a good bet for Christmas No. 1.”

The song was first re-released in 1991.