For the third consecutive year, an ensemble from the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army played on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, live on BBC Radio 2.

Carols

Four years ago, the band was featured on his ‘drive time’ show and ever since they have been invited back – now on his breakfast time slot, to play Christmas carols.

Fun

Carl Woodman, who volunteered to get to the BBC’s Western House studio for sound checks soon after 6.00am told 4BR: "It was great fun to be part of a live radio broadcast and to see how the programme works from behind the scenes.

Chris and the production team love the sound of a Salvation Army band live in their studio and we are pleased to be able to represent the Salvation Army in this way. He was in a particularly jovial mood this year, even asking us to busk ‘Happy Birthday’ to a listener live on air!"

Chris and the production team love the sound of a Salvation Army band live in their studio and we are pleased to be able to represent the Salvation Army in this wayCarl Woodman

Celebs

As well as the host, the band was joined by newsreader Moira Stuart, sports presenter Vassos Alexander, traffic expert Lynn Bowles and the backroom team, as well as a host of other celebs who popped in during the show such as Strictly Come Dancing finalists Dani Harmer and Kimberley Walsh.