*
banner

Wednesday interview with David Karran

We talk to David Karran — MD of Onchan Silver Band who will be travelling over from the Isle of Man to make their North West Regional Championship debuts on Sunday — some 85 years after they were first formed.

David Karran
  David returned home to take up the baton with the band 18 months ago

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

It's the Wednesday interview on 4BR and with the health of the banding nation very much under scrutiny in the coming weeks, its great to report on a band that will be making its Regional Championship debut this weekend — at the tender age of 85.

Not only that, but they will be making a trip over sea to take part in the Fourth Section at the North West Area Championships in Blackpool on Sunday — as Onchan Silver Band hails from the Isle of Man.

We talk to their MD, David Karran who returned home after 15 years away playing with the likes of Brighouse & Rastrick and City of Bradford, to the band he grew up in to start a new chapter in their history — and that first Area Championship appearance.


Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Tim Mutum

The Brass Band Hall of Fame gets published

June 14 • Brass band historian Tim Mutum's new book provides essential portraits of nearly 140 brass band conductors, players and personalities.


Groningen

Result: 2026 Dutch Open

June 14 • Local favourites Provinciale Brassband Groningen reclaims the Dutch Open title on a day of double delight.


Dr Martin

Dr Martin postpones contest until 2027

June 14 • The Dr Martin Wainstones Cup Contest has been postponed this year, but will return with a date already fixed for 2027.


swbba

Entries now open for SWBBA Contest in Torquay

June 14 • The popular own choice event takes place in November — and entries are now open.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

June 14 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Chinnor Silver

June 13 • We are looking for a Bb TUBA player to join our friendly,enthusiastic,progressive 1st section band.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday and held in our own bandroom.. We have a varied but realistic calendar planned with possible overseas trip in 2027


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

June 12 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd