*
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    


EBBA

Call for entries for 10th European Composers Competition

September 2 • EBBA announces entry details for its 10th European Composers Competition in Montreux.


Twcester

Get your motor running...

September 2 • Towcester Studio Band enjoyed a memorable weekend revving up the entertainment for a huge crowd at the popular CarFest event.


Robin Hood

Wright & Round: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Michael Kamen arr. Derek Broadbent)

September 2 • The chance to don the green tights and twang a great theme tune out in your next concert as Robin Hood returns again.


Gota Brass

Anglo-French lead at Swedish champions

September 2 • Ryan Watkins and Florent Didier will take the baton at Göta Brass for the coming contesting season.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd