*
banner

ISB help Evans close for Christmas

Members of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army helped Chris Evans and the four Strictly finalists enjoy their Christmas broadcast.

ISB with Chris Evans
 

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.

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd