As ensemble gigs go, being asked to perform at the 30th birthday party of a billionaire fashion empire mogul isn't bad.

And that's what happened to four players from Leyland Band recently when they joined pop stars, reality television celebs, sports stars and the glitterati of showbiz at the Cheshire mansion of Umar Kamani, one of the UK's youngest billionaires and CEO of PrettyLittleThing.

Tabloid coverage

Understandably, his Hollywood themed birthday bash made it into the pages of just about every tabloid newspaper and glossy break time magazine — with Leyland's John and Rebecca Doyle, Martin Leach and Dan Moore on hand to flash their smiles at the waiting paparazzi as they performed a Will.I.Am song to the opening of Kamani's pool room in his multi-million pound Alderley Edge home.

Around them DJ Richard Blackwood played a DJ set with R&B Mario flying in from Hollywood to also entertain the guests.

24 hour turn around

Such was the secrecy surrounding the event that John only had 24 hours to arrange the music by hip-hop star, get to the mansion, pass through security and have a quick run through before the guests arrived.

"It was one of the most surreal jobs I've ever done,"John told 4BR. "It really was a different world, but the people were so welcoming and delighted at the music we played for them. It's not often you have to play with a contortionist spinning above your head though!"

It really was a different world, but the people were so welcoming and delighted at the music we played for them. It's not often you have to play with a contortionist spinning above your head though!John Doyle

Jealous

Meanwhile, Euphonium player Dan Moore added: "When John rang me up I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.

I thought it was all a big wind-up! When the huge security gates opened and I saw the incredible house behind the Hollywood sign, I couldn't quite believe what was happening.

We had a Leyland concert in Chorley Town Hall the next day, and on reflection the two performances could not have been more different. I think the rest of the band were a bit jealous!"