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Life Of Journalist John Hannam Celebrated With Charity Tribute Gig At Shanklin Theatre

Photos: Embracing Unique with Laura Holme

Musicians from across the Isle of Wight and beyond performed at a charity tribute concert in honour of journalist, John Hannam, last weekend.

Organised and hosted by John’s son, Sean, the event, 'Sunday Night at Shanklin Theatre', raised more than £1,500 for the British Heart Foundation and the Wellow Ward, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport.

John died in September last year, following a short illness.

Sean said:

“Dad was a great supporter of local entertainment, and the theatre played a huge part in his life, so it was really important to hold the event in Shanklin."

The line-up included several local musicians and performers who John supported, including Bobby I Can Fly and Amy Bird.

Two mainland acts, country duo My Darling Clementine and singer-songwriter, Matt James, who was formerly in ‘90s indie-rock band, Gene, made their Island debuts at the show.


Photos: Embracing Unique with Laura Holme

Sean said:

“Music is my passion, and it was so important to my dad – he liked a wide range of styles – so I felt the best way to pay tribute to him was to hold a celebratory night with an eclectic selection of sounds – from ‘60s ballads to Americana, pop and rock. While I was organising and compering the show, I kept thinking to myself, ‘dad would’ve loved this.”

A plaque to commemorate his life was unveiled at Shanklin Theatre by Sean and his sister, Caroline, shortly before the concert.


Photos: Embracing Unique with Laura Holme

Sean said:

"I’d like to thank Isle of Wight Radio and the theatre for donating the plaque. Now, whenever there’s a show at the venue, dad will always be there and people can share their memories of him when they’re going to the theatre.”

Artists who appeared at the gig were: My Darling Clementine, Matt James, Andy Strickland (The Loft, The Caretaker Race, The Chesterfields), Brian Sharpe (The Cherokees) and Keith Roberts (Blue Moon), Bobby I Can Fly, Chris Clarke, Amy Bird and Bob and Bertie Everson.

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