Will Band Aid 40 be Christmas Number 1 in the UK?

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ is one of the best-known festive songs. The original 1984 release still gets regular airplay on UK radio stations. Band Aid 30 was released in 2014 and featured the likes of Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Emeli Sande, and Ed Sheeran. Several contemporary artists re-recorded and remixed the track that Bob Geldof and Midge Ure originally wrote. This track, also recorded in several different languages, was originally released for download and went straight to number one. Upon physical release, it released number three. It became 2014’s fastest-selling single.

Despite some impressive sales and plenty of exposure, Band Aid 30 was NOT a Christmas number one. Ben Haenow, who was an X-Factor winner, reached number one with his single ‘Something I Need’.

Paddy Power’s Odds of 1.66 are predicting a 60% chance that Band Aid 40 will be the Christmas Number One in 2024 ::: Discover the current Odds now HERE

What is Band Aid 40?

To mark 40 years since the original release, Band Aid is back with a different cast of performers offering their take on the classic song. The latest release, produced by Trevor Horn, also includes original vocals from the previous versions. It will be released across several different platforms at the end of November including CD and 12″ vinyl.

Notable performers include Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Bono, Boy George and Bananarama. Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Robbie Williams and Seal also provide vocals. A number of musicians will also feature including Roger Taylor and Phil Collins, both of whom will play the drums. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and the Darkness’ Justin Hawkins are also amongst the cast of collaborators.

The song will be accompanied by a music video and a documentary on the original recording of the song, which will in the UK on BBC Four.

Previous Christmas Number Ones

Although Band Aid 30 sold an impressive number of copies, it sadly didn’t make Christmas Number One. Wham’s Last Christmas, which has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, was top of the charts in 2023. Previous years have been dominated by LadBaby with light-hearted covers of songs from the 1980s and 1990s. Ed Sheeran, whose vocals appear on Band Aid 40, clinched Christmas Number One in 2017 with ‘Perfect’ and he was preceded by Clean Bandit’s ‘Rockabye’ which features cameos from Sean Paul and Anne-Marie.

Other artists to have reached number one during the festive season include Rage Against the Machine, The Justice Collective and the Mililtary Wives with Gareth Malone.

What are the Other Contenders for the 2024 Christmas Number One?

Although Band Aid 40 is the odds-on favourite to hit the top of the charts this year, there are a number of other songs which may prevent it from reaching the summit. Wham’s Last Christmas is in the mix once again and remains very popular with the UK music fans. Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ is another classic which has enjoyed a resurgence and remains in contention. Other options include Liam Payne, Tom Grennan and One Direction. Oasis, who have reunited this year and will embark upon a UK Tour in 2025, are fifth favourites ahead of East 17 and Ed Sheeran.

If you believe that Wham will secure consecutive Christmas Number Ones in the UK, you could win €375 by betting €100 at Paddy Power if it happens.