It has been announced that British Bandsman magazine has been sold by KGC Media Ltd., the publication's owner since 2015, to International Brass Band Media (IBB) Ltd.

It was stated that an announcement confirming the identity of the new Editor and other details of the publication's future, and that of SA Bandsman, is expected early next week in time for publication to recommence in early September following a two-month break.

Honour

Kenneth Crookston, Editor since 2004 and Managing Editor since 2015, commented: "It has been a tremendous honour to have been Editor of British Bandsman since 2004 and to have been the proprietor for the past three years.

The magazine has a remarkable history going back 131 years and to have had the chance to play my part in that for almost 14 years has been the privilege of a lifetime."

He added: "I would like to thank our many contributors and loyal readers all over the world for their unfailing support during my time as Editor, especially during the recent period of uncertainty, while also assuring them that the iconic British Bandsman brand will continue to be in the safe hands of the burgeoning IBB Media operation."

Finalising plans

Giving his response to acquiring British Bandsman, Martin Gernon, Managing Director of IBB Media Ltd., commented; "Everyone at IBB Media and BrassPass is absolutely delighted to have secured the future of British Bandsman, a central pillar of the brass band culture worldwide for over 130 years.

We are currently finalising plans for the future of BB under a new Editor and will be making some very exciting announcements when these are confirmed within the next few days.

British Bandsman has been arguably the greatest brand within brass banding since it was founded in 1887 and we are confident that we can continue to work to the high standards that have been set over its long history and oversee further expansion into the brass band marketplace around the world in the months and years ahead."

Everyone at IBB Media and BrassPass is absolutely delighted to have secured the future of British Bandsman, a central pillar of the brass band culture worldwide for over 130 yearsMartin Gernon

Thanks

He added: "Kenny Crookston's contribution to BB as Editor throughout the past 14 years has seen the magazine evolve into a features-based publication that has contributed hugely to topical debate over the future direction of every aspect of brass banding.

We would like to thank him for his enormous commitment to BB and to banding in general over this time and wish him every success in his new post as Chief Executive Officer of Brass Bands England."

Further announcements

IBB Media Ltd was set up by Directors Martin Gernon and Kenneth Crookston in February 2018, but following his appointment as CEO of Brass Bands England, Kenneth Crookston resigned his position with the company, effective from 31st May.

It is understood that further announcements relating to the future of British Bandsman and SA Bandsman will be made on the British Bandsman website at www.britishbandsman.com and on social media.