Onchan Silver Band certainly enjoyed their recent 80th anniversary celebrations.

The community band from the Isle of Man took to the waves of the Irish Sea on the 'Ben-my-Chree' steam ferry for a 'round the island' cruise, joining other guests to rekindle memories of the performances given in the 1960s to passengers on what were popular excursion trips.

Seven Kingdoms

The band also made sure the celebrations were accompanied with a musical commemoration, with MD Mark Halliday and a committed team coming up with the idea of a special 'Seven Kingdoms' suite to perform.

Seven talented composers, each with a local connection, were commissioned to put together the work based on the kingdoms visible from the Isle of Man (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Sea and Heaven). Each composer was allocated a 'Kingdom' and tasked with bringing the project to life.

Former MD Paul Dunderdale took on 'England', while Ramsey Town Band MD, Robert Quane and Rushen Silver Band Bandmaster, John Kinley, were inspired by the kingdoms of 'Sea' and 'Heaven' respectively.

Ian Astill, the great nephew of the late Gordon Astill (who conducted Onchan Silver Band for almost half a century), drew on his time spent studying in Bangor, to feature 'Wales', whilst former Onchan player, Russell Gilmour, undertook 'Scotland'.

Michael Radcliffe, who started his musical education nearby in Douglas Town Band, tackled 'Ireland' and local musician, Manx and Celtic music star, David Kilgallon (whose brother is the current deputy conductor at the band) composed the 'Kingdom of Mann'.

The voyage clockwise around the Island enabled guests to enjoy the spectacular views of all seven kingdoms, accompanied by the new musical soundtrack4BR

Premiere performance

And with five of their seven composers in tow, and helped by friends from some other bands, the logistical challenges of positioning in the small 'Legends Bar' was overcome to give the world premiere performance as the ferry set sail, before repeating it later in the evening.

The voyage clockwise around the Island enabled guests to enjoy the spectacular views of all seven kingdoms, accompanied by the new musical soundtrack.

Special occasion

MD, Mark Halliday told 4BR: "We would like to extend our thanks to each of the composers, as well as those who came to help us for a special occasion.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the Isle of Man Steam Packet and their staff who helped bring this ambitious project to its spectacular conclusion!"