The new owners of British Bandsman magazine have announced that Andrew Wainwright is to become its Editor.

Currently the Editor of the monthly SA Bandsman, he has been described as 'the perfect fit' for the publication by IBB Media Ltd Managing Director Martin Gernon.

Last printed edition

He said: "Andrew has a rich pedigree in journalistic excellence, as well as an outstanding reputation as a composer, musician and educator — and that combination of skills and passion cannot be beaten in my view.

The September Bandsman issue of will be a historic event. As well as being Andrew's first issue as Editor, and indeed it is a cracking issue, it will also be the last edition in print.

As such we have printed an additional 1,000 copies as we expect demand to be high for what will become a collector's item."

Weekly subscription magazine

In confirming the end of the printed format, Martin Gernon also revealed that from October, British Bandsman will become a subscription based weekly on-line publication.

He added: "The Bandsman will once again return to its roots and become a weekly publication.

The pure economic facts surrounding print costs and distribution made this decision easier, and whilst some will mourn the loss of a paper copy landing on the doorstep, we nevertheless have to look to the future and believe we have taken the correct course of action.

It will remain a subscription publication — 48 weekly issues for a yearly cost of £42.95. Existing customers will gain automatic access to the on-line publication and new customers will be able to pay by direct debit. We will be contacting all our subscribers to inform them of the changes.

The fact that British Bandsman is also the longest running brass band magazine in the world is not lost on us either, and the heritage and tradition of the brand needs nurturing in safe hands, and we see it as our duty to keep this brand at the forefront of brass publishing."

It will remain a subscription publication — 48 weekly issues for a yearly cost of £42.95. Existing customers will gain automatic access to the on-line publication and new customers will be able to pay by direct debitMartin Gernon

Honour

Meanwhile, the new Editor added: "It is a thrill and absolute honour to be the thirteenth Editor of 'The Bandsman', and I look forward to developing the magazine to new, varied and familiar audiences around the world, embracing the latest in technology with our fine tradition and heritage."