The band met at The County Garden Centre, Broomhill at around 10am to prepare for Santa's arrival. The instruments were being decorated with tinsel and the members were falling in ready to go. Before long, the band marched off with Santa and his helper following on behind. We marched around the Car Park and stopped to play a few static pieces to the onlooking crowd. The festive tunes added to the brilliant atmosphere. The crowd gave plenty of applause as the band marched off and Santa headed for his Grotto. The members were then treated to refreshments from the Garden Centre before heading off to Stewarts GardenLands, Christchurch.

We arrived at GardenLands at around 2pm and put on the wet weather gear, as the heavens had opened on our journey over from Broomhill. Soon enough, Santa was with us again. He spent some time talking to the members, before leading us around the car park to the entrance of Stewarts. Again, we stopped and played a few tunes whilst Santa danced to the music! Despite the rain, the crowd was still heaving with people, eager to see Father Christmas. Before long, Santa headed into his Grotto and we marched off to pack down, dry off and head home.

This being the first Christmas event of the year, marks the beginning of the end of 2009. With one of the busiest ever Decembers coming up for the band, today's performance was a brilliant start to a great Christmas Season!