MUSIC promoter John Banner is hanging up his concert coat after a difficult year. The 66- year-old entrepreneur, well-known across the region for his work with the Searchers, the Who tribute My Generation and his annual St George’s Day show, is calling it a day.

From his home in Worcester and office in Malvern, Banner – known as JB – has organised a host of memorable events, many of them in aid of charity.

However, after what he described as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”, he has decided to turn to something different. The final straw could well have been the break-in at his Malvern office in April when thieves stole cash for local charities.

Banner had already given out cheques and so ended up £500 out of pocket.

“I have had a difficult year for a variety of reasons so I thought now was as good a time as any to move on,” he said. “My new venture, which I’m currently laying the foundations for, is to be a freelance fund-raiser for Malvern Town Football Club.”

Banner’s sometime partner in crime, John Rynolds, has apparently tried to persude his friend to continue with the popular St George’s Day shows at Huntingdon Hall every April but Banner has remained firm.

He did say if he’s ever persuaded the concert would move to Malvern.

A fully qualified television, radio and sound engineer, Banner’s first taste of event promotion was in 1954 when he was 12 years old and organised a whist drive for the British Red Cross.

Banner’s final shows are Rock Around the Christmas Clock at Coppertops, St John’s, on Friday, December 12, followed by the Searchers at Huntingdon Hall on Friday, December 19.

For details, call 01684 569285 or contact John Banner Promotions, Lydes Road, Malvern, WR14 2BY.