*
banner

Strictly come carolling for ISB

Members of the International Staff Band provide radio presenter Chris Evans with his Christmas carol service on air...

isb
 

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.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd