The BTM Band from south Wales will be seen performing every night on national television in the run-up to Christmas after they were asked to perform as part of the Co-op's festive campaign.

Launched on 1st December the advert evokes everyday Christmas moments and the heart-warming ways families' show that they care, with the band playing a new arrangement of The Pogues famous 'Fairytale of New York' as the soundtrack.

Membership scheme

BTM were chosen to play their part as they were one of more than 4,000 causes that the community retailer has supported with the £17 million raised through its Membership scheme.

The band will use their financial support to buy new music and to refurbish instruments for their youth bands.

Thrilled

Speaking about their involvement, BTM Next Generation Band MD Mark Hutcherson told 4BR: "We're absolutely thrilled. It's been a very exciting project to be part of and we've been bursting to share our news with people and to see our band on television this Christmas.

The support of the Co-op makes a huge difference to the band which thrives on co-operation and community spirit. We focus on encouraging new players, of any age and the progression of our children and young people is of paramount importance. "

The Co-op's Membership scheme sees the retailer give Members a 5% reward on purchases of own brand products and services at its food stores and funeral homes, with the retailer donating a further 1% to local community causes. Members are also able to choose which groups they would like to support online.

It's been a very exciting project to be part of and we've been bursting to share our news with people and to see our band on television this ChristmasBTM Band

Local causes

Co-op Customer Director Ali Jones added: "As a convenience retailer, we're often at the heart of the community and are proud to support so many local causes across the UK through the sale of our own-brand products and services at Christmas and all year round.

This isn't about grand, big-budget gestures but aims to show touching moments between families and the central role food plays in that while communicating that every time a Co-op product is bought, thousands of community groups receive funding."

Digital

The advert will also be accompanied by a 50-second online version, a 6-second version and reactive digital and outdoor ads.

Advert director Stacey Wall added: "Once I heard the talented members of the BTM Band playing their version of the classic Pogues track, I knew all I needed to do was stay out of the way and make certain the cameras were rolling."