A Canterbury band have played an exclusive gig for the UK’s first Audience with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Goosebumps, a five-piece swing band, travelled to Leeds United Football Club’s Elland Road ground after they were picked at random to play at the A-list event.

They were the only band playing at the question-and-answer session with Arnie, where tickets ranged from £150 to £1,500.

Band member Mark Churchward said they had to “pinch themselves” throughout to remind them it was really happening.

Even presenter Jonathan Ross was pretty starstruck on the night.

He told ITV: “I’m a huge fan. They’ve asked me to do a few similar events and the only one I’ve done previously was Sylvester Stallone.

“Him and Arnie are two of my heroes – from the 80s, 90s and even now, so I was thrilled to be asked.”

The band have been together just over eight years and couldn’t believe their luck when they were contacted by the organisers of the event.

With a bass-player, saxophonist and drummer, they describe their style as “quite unusual” and “rock and roll swing with high energy”.

Mark, who lives in Wingham, said: “Someone was looking for a band and as we are quite far up on the Google search, somehow they managed to track us down and we had a request through our website.

“To be honest, at first I thought it was one of my friends winding me up.

“We weren’t sure what to expect but Arnie was absolutely fascinating. He spoke about his life, growing up, the politics. It wasn’t all just Terminator.

“You’d think after an hour and a half, you’d be bored but it really wasn’t boring. He was brilliant.”

In the breaks between the question and answer session, the band also played in the VIP areas where many famous football and rugby players were enjoying the evening.

The event raised thousands of pounds for charity and Arnie even sold off some of his belongings as part of a charity auction.

“To be honest, at first I thought it was one of my friends winding me up" - Mark Churchward

Mark added: “We may be playing at Al Pacino’s question and answer session next year but that’s not definite. But hopefully, to adapt Arnie’s famous words, we’ll be back.”

The band includes Chris Cassar from Herne, Ben Green from Ashford, Nick Harrington from Maidstone and Nick Browne from Deal.

Goosebumps are playing on December 11 at Pizza Express in Maidstone, the Wine Bar in Deal on December 17 and Minnis Bar in Minnis Bay on December 19. For information visit www.goosebumpsmusic.co.uk