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The rousing finale of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture approaches. On a flick of the conductor's baton, the wind section of the orchestra rises - and responds with a full and fruity raspberry...

To be honest, it's not something that occurs routinely at concerts given by the 麻豆社 Philharmonic.

Conducting the Whoopee Cushion Orchestra

But, for Comic Relief 2009, the Manchester-based orchestra has recorded a one-off whoopee cushion concert with a selection of popular classics including the Blue Danube, the Hornpipe and the 1812 Overture.

How can you take part

Here's where you come in. At midday on Friday 13 March, we're asking people to join us at the Big Screen in Armada Way, Plymouth, to help form the Whoopee Cushion Orchestra of the UK.

If you're itching to let rip with a B-flatulence alongside the bassoons, you will be able to play along with the 麻豆社 Philharmonic and their special guests.

The performance, recorded at the 麻豆社's Manchester studios, is introduced by comedian Nick Hancock and girl band The Saturdays, singers of this year's Comic Relief single.

Taking centre stage in the orchestra's unusual wind section, is the world's largest whoopee cushion - a giant 3-metre latex monster designed by acoustic scientist Trevor Cox.

The concert climaxes with The Saturdays jumping on the giant whoopee cushion in place of the cannonade at the end of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

The Saturdays and Nick Hancock

It's all to raise awareness for this year鈥檚 'Do Something Funny for Money' appeal for which you can buy a Comic Relief whoopee cushion along with your red nose.

If you can't get hold of a whoopee cushion in advance, we'll be selling them on the day in aid of Comic Relief.

So grab your wind instrument and whoopee along to The Blue Danube, rasp the Hornpipe and let rip for the 1812 Overture.