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

Breakfast slot

The band was first featured by Chris on his ‘drive time’ show in 2008, following the release of the band’s ‘Together’ album, and he has personally invited the band back every year since he moved to the breakfast time slot.

ISB bandsman Carl Woodman has been part of the ensemble that has played on all four occasions, readily volunteering despite the early start required to get to the BBC’s Western House studio in time for the band’s first slot immediately after the 8.00am news!

Great fun

Carl commented to 4BR: "It’s great fun to be part of a live broadcast and to see how the programme unfolds during the morning. 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."

Strictly

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 this year’s four Strictly Come Dancing finalists Abbey Clancy, Natalie Gumede, Susanna Reid and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

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

Lennon

The band was not the only live music in the studio as 19 year old singer/songwriter Jake Bugg also performed two songs before being backed by the band in John Lennon’s ‘Happy Christmas’ (War is Over) with which the show closed.