*
banner

End of the Silk road for Les

Les Manning hangs up his horn from Silk Brass after reaching his half century.

sILK Beass
 

At the end of March, Silk Brass said goodbye to one of its most talented players, when solo horn Les Manning put away his mouthpiece for the last time.

Turned 50

Les has been with Silk Brass for six years, but when he turned 50 he felt that the time was right to retire from banding, buy a shiny new motor home and take off around the country at weekends and holidays – something the demands of banding wouldn’t allow.

Last performance

Les started playing at the age of 11 at school, before progressing to the Royal Doulton, Greenway Selectus and the BT Band, before finally joining Silk Brass, where his last performance was to help them to qualify for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain for the second year in succession.

Les has thoroughly enjoyed his banding career but he looks on the time he has spent with Silk as being extra special.

Les told 4BR: "The last three years at Silk under Jim Cant have represented some of the most enjoyable times in my banding life. Silk Brass are also a great advert for how banding should be."

The last three years at Silk under Jim Cant have represented some of the most enjoyable times in my banding lifeLes Manning

Huge thanks

A spokesperson for Silk Brass added: "We would like to say a huge thank you, to both Les and his wife Alison, who has been a staunch supporter of the band over the years. Although they won’t be strangers, Silk will miss them both and wish them all the best with their new hobby."

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    


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


testpice

Ellerby and Harper to lead on-line test-piece workshop

February 15 • Composers Martin Ellerby and Philip Harper will take the opportunity to talk about their Championship and Second Section set-works in a special free on-line workshop.


Tine Helseth

Echoes impact for Tine Thing Helseth

February 15 • The latest solo CD from trumpet star Tine Thing Helseth has been nominated for the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy Award.


UnIbrass

Results: 2026 UniBrass Championships

February 15 • The University of Birmingham Music Society successfully defends the UniBrass Trophy as the University of Nottingham claims a first UniBrass Shield title.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd