*
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    


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Senior Cup

May 2 • Kirkintilloch claims the Senior Cup honours as Rainford, Tongwynlais Temperance and East London Brass join them in the Grand Shield in 2027.


2026 Spring Festival

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Senior Trophy

May 2 • Sandhurst Silver claims the Senior Trophy honours as Sovereign Brass, Unite Scotland Kinneil and Yorkshire Imperial are also promoted to the Senior Cup.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. . We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher.. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Bb Basses. With Colin Dance now appointed as our MD and our other Bb Bass leaving due to work commitments, we have openings for two Bb basses. We are a friendly community (4th section?) band with a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the Park.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd