History
Police Bands have entertained the public in West Yorkshire for over a century. Bradford City Police Band was formed as long ago as 1899, with Leeds City following some fifteen years later. In 1974 the Leeds and Bradford forces amalgamated to form The West Yorkshire Metropolitan Police, and both bands merged at that time to become The West Yorkshire Police Band. Initially military in style, with woodwind, brass and percussion, in 1984 a new ethos was agreed and from that date the band has been styled in the traditional Brass Band format. Originally composed of serving Police Officers, the Band now also draws from the wider Police Family, retired Police officers, and members of the public. Since its inception, the Band appears nationwide for charitable organisations in concerts and parades, and channels all proceeds to the West Yorkshire Police Community Trust (est. 1996). This Trust focuses its grant programme on the promotion of a Safer Community with over £100,000 being awarded through grants. The band practices on a Monday and Thursday in the Lecture theatre at The Force Training School, Bishopgarth, Wakefield 20:00 till 21:30 new players always welcome.
Concert Band
The West Yorkshire Police Band is primarily a concert band, performing for the entertainment of the community in West Yorkshire. Concert programmes are varied and cater for all tastes. The Band has performed at many venues in West Yorkshire, and throughout the UK. The Band has also undertaken foreign trips, including traveling to Holland to perform at the famous Nijmegen Marches. The band were honoured by being invited to play at a memorial event marking the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 atrocity in New York 25 members of the band played at the site of the
British Memorial Garden, Hanover Square in Manhattan which also featured music from the choir of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums Band. And also in Long Valley, New Jersey for the local community and newcomers group who kindly provided members of the band with accommodation during the stay.
British Memorial Garden, Hanover Square in Manhattan which also featured music from the choir of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums Band. And also in Long Valley, New Jersey for the local community and newcomers group who kindly provided members of the band with accommodation during the stay.
Marching Band
The Marching Band often performs at ceremonial events and parades, including Remembrance Day parades in either Leeds or Bradford, the Lord Mayors Parade in Wakefield and London, and at Passing Out Parades for The Civil Nuclear Constabulary at their Training School in Whitehaven, Cumbria. The Band took part in parades in both Huddersfield and Wakefield to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the ending of World War 2.
Fanfare Team
The Band are very proud to have one of the few Police Fanfare Trumpet Teams in the country. The eight-piece team have performed at numerous ceremonial events including the opening of the annual service for The North Eastern Circuit of Judges, Magistrates and Members of the Legal Profession at York Minster. They have played at Wakefield Cathedral for the visit by Her Majesty The Queen to distribute the Maundy Money. The team have also been guests of the Last Post Association at Iper in Belgium to perform at the Last Post Ceremony under the Menin Gate.
Ten Piece
We also are available as a small ten piece ensemble that can play at variety of events in police or concert uniform. The programme available is very light music suitable to the occasion.