The death has been announced of Martin Wilson of the Laganvale Metal Technology Band.

'Marty' as he was affectionately known, was a valued member of the band's trombone section since 2023, having joined after enjoying guesting with them at the 2023 European Championship in Malmo.

He started his playing career with Whitburn Band, followed by a period of study at the Royal College of Music, London. For over 30 years he was the acclaimed principal trombone of the Ulster Orchestra. Following retirement, Marty played for Downshire Brass, before joining Laganvale in 2023.

Fantastic

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Marty was a fantastic soloist and featured in the band's 2023 Festival of Brass programme in his own arrangement of 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You.'

His renowned jazz band, 'The Kings of Swing', recently celebrated 35 years of performing every Sunday at Jenny Watts Bar, the oldest pub in Bangor. This were a true Bangor institution, and that's all thanks to Marty's vision for them."

Dearly missed

They added: "Marty will be remembered as a wonderful trombone player, and real character, and an all-round great guy. He will be dearly missed by his band colleagues.

The band thinks of his wife Gillian, his family, and his friends at this very difficult time."