VIEWERS watching ITV on Saturday evening could have spotted the first broadcast of the Christmas advert for the National Lottery – prominently featuring Lydbrook Band!

Having kept their appearance on the advert a secret since they filmed the commercial back in November, the news of their being used for the national TV campaign was confirmed by the National Lottery this week.

The band, who have previously received Lottery funding, were approached to appear, and play in, the Lotto Christmas advert earlier this year, and in mid November sound crews came to Lydbrook to record the soundtrack. Then, the following week, the entire band were taken to St Albans for a location shoot in the town square, while they played a version of Ooh Wakka Do Wakka Day, originally a chart hit for Gilbert O'Sullivan back in 1972.

Conductor and bandleader Robert Morgan said: "After being treated to the full hair and makeup experience and an attentive costume check, the band was ready to brave the crisp November weather and do one last sound recording outside.

"After lunch, the band gathered and made their way to the town square filming location. Dressed in Christmas lights and decorations the square looked very festive and created the perfect backdrop. Surrounded by cameras, the band really formed the central feature for the final part of the advert. The main actor was to run in just in time to play a loud cymbal crash at the end of the piece – arriving late after buying his Lotto ticket!

"A good couple of hours passed with a number of takes being done from all different angles and in different lighting - it's amazing how much work goes into what will eventually be just a few seconds on TV."

He added: "It truly has been an exciting year for Lydbrook band, and what a fitting way to end their 90th anniversary celebrations. Thanks to the National Lottery, and everyone involved, it was an amazing experience."

Following that filming, the band were also asked to provide a rendition of We Wish You A Merry Christmas, which will be used on the National Lottery Facebook page.

The Lotto commercial will be shown every day in the run up to the special prize draw on Christmas Eve.

Celebrating their 90th year in 2013, Lydbrook Band have racked up a huge number of performances and special commemorative events this year.