*
banner

Landmark broadcast for Cottier

The great Ian Cottier will notch up 40 years of bringing 'Time for Brass' to the airwaves for brass band lovers from Douglas to Dunedin to enjoy...

Ina
  Ian Cottier has presented Time for Brass for 40 years

There will be a wonderful 40th anniversary radio broadcast to enjoy this week (9.00pm on Monday 7th September) when the great Ian Cottier celebrates the landmark achievement with his latest 'Time for Brass' show on Manx Radio.

Worldwide

Ian, now 84 years of age, has long been a warm and welcoming voice in support of the brass band movement — and not only to the 85,000 people on the Isle of Man ever since he first put a recording of Edward Gregson's 'Prelude for an Occasion' on his turntable at Broadcasting House in Douglas all those years ago.

Thanks to advent introduction of new technology, such as the online radio player on the internet his programme can now be enjoyed across the world — with listeners regularly e-mailing him their requests from the furthest corners of the banding globe.

Requests

The 40th anniversary programme has already been recorded and was a special requests programme which Ian enjoys.

He told 4BR: "I try to include something for everyone — from serious works to soloists and easy listening items and I enjoy every minute of it.

I do 52 programmes a year so I've lost count exactly how many I've done or how many tracks have been played, but it's still wonderful to be able to provide brass band music every week to an audience that enjoys it."

I try to include something for everyone — from serious works to soloists and easy listening items and I enjoy every minute of itIan Cottier

Careers

4BR will be catching up with Ian once again after his 40th anniversary programme has been broadcast to find out more about a man who can boast three separate but equally rewarding 'careers' as he calls them — from a school headmaster and deck officer on tall ships to iconic brass band presenter!

Tune in

To tune into the 40th anniversary programme on Monday evening at 9.00pm, go to: https://www.manxradio.com/

FM & AM: 89; 89.5; 97.2; 103.7 & am1368

Ask you Smart Speaker for Manx Radio or download the mobile app or listen online at: https://www.manxradio.com/radioplayer/fm/

It is also available on catch up.

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    


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd