Ian started his banding career at Besses Boys before moving onto his local band in Chadderton. Through his Dad's influence, Norman Ashcroft then took Ian to the Rochdale Band. By the age of fourteen he had moved onto Faireys playing 3rd Cornet.

When Professor Hargreaves arrived to conduct the Band, Ian then made the transition on to Horn and remained a Faireys player until 1994 to spend more time with his wife Yvonne and three daughters.

Ian Howarth celebrating with The Fairey Band at the 2005 British Open Contest

After a two year break and living in Whitefield he was asked to help out Besses which he did on and off for ten years. The Fairey Band then made the call and invited Ian to follow in his fathers footsteps and become the Band Manager. An offer Ian could not resist!