*
banner

Death of former Dyke player

The death has been announced of former Black Dyke player Leslie Hannan.

Hannan
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Leslie Hannan, a well-known and much-loved member of the brass band movement, who passed away peacefully in his home in North Wales.

Dyke connection

From a very young age Leslie played with Salvation Army bands and between 1961 and 1963 he played cornet with Black Dyke Mills Band.

He taught music throughout his life, also teaching his son, Michael Hannan, who later followed in his father’s footsteps and played with Black Dyke.

Both father and son played together in YBS Concert Brass (now known as City of Bradford Brass).

He taught music throughout his life, also teaching his son, Michael Hannan, who later followed in his father’s footsteps and played with Black Dyke4BR

Love of music

His love of music was a constant and he continued to teach, play and conduct with bands after retiring to Conwy in North Wales 8 years ago. Most recently Leslie played with Conwy Brass Band and Beulah Brass.

Funeral details

There will be a celebration of Les’ life at midday on Friday the 23rd of December in St John's Methodist Church in Conwy, followed by a cremation at Colwyn Bay Crematorium (Bron y Nant, Dinerth Road, LL28 4YN — 1 pm) and a funeral tea in the church hall.

All who wish to attend and join in singing and playing Les’ favourite hymns from the Salvation Army songbook are welcome.

Family flowers only — donations to the British Heart Foundation on the day or send to 21 Telford Close, Conwy Marina, Conwy, North Wales, LL32 8GT.

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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd