Members of Onchan Silver Band undertook a special engagement as part of its anniversary celebrations.

The band, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, boarded the Ben-my-Chree to entertain passengers on the ship’s round-the-island cruise.

To mark its anniversary, a special composition has been completed and this received its premiere performance as part of the on-board programme of entertainment during the trip.

Onchan band musical director Mark Halliday said: ’The Seven Kingdoms suite is the culmination and combination of a number of ideas from within the band and its committee.

’Seven different composers, each with a local connection, and each extremely talented, were commissioned to put together a suite comprising of seven movements.

’The idea was based on the kingdoms visible from the Isle of Man (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Sea and Heaven), with each movement representing a different kingdom. The composers were each allocated a ’’kingdom’’ with the task of bringing the project to life.

’As the ship made its voyage clockwise around the iwsland, guests were treated to spectacular views of all seven kingdoms, accompanied by the newly thought-up musical soundtrack.

’The band performed the world premiere as the ship set sail, before repeating the suite later in the evening.’

Onchan Silver Band thanked the seven composers, as well as the band members who took part and the Steam Packet staff who helped to make the whole project work.