Hebden Bridge Brass Band
Records of a brass band in the Pennine village of Hebden Bridge exist as far back as the middle of the 19th century . In those early days, band members came from the workforce of the sponsoring local mills, and players became local heroes, representing the community at home and abroad. The modern band held its centenary celebration in 1978, when Harry Mortimer returned to his native town to conduct.
Harry once said
" ...it was at Hebden Bridge that my life started.
There is something about the Pennines which encourages music. The majority of bands of all grades come from the geographical area surrounding this great line of hills, and Hebden Bridge is as typical as any. Perhaps it is the sheer beauty of these hills which encourages men and women to get together to make music. Despite the noise and the rush of the modern world the Brass Band still holds its place in the lives of these people. You can still hear, on practice nights, the notes of the band on the night air: the warmth of the euphoniums, the insistence of the cornet and the steady throb of the bass. The quality of music and playing has improved almost beyond recognition in my lifetime, but the spirit has always remained the same. To be a member of the local band is as much an honour now as it has ever been."

The band of the present day still sees its role as serving the community, and works closely with Hebden Royd Council to provide instrumental tuition for the young, and musical entertainment for all. They are based in Cragg Vale near Mytholmroyd, the birthplace of sometime Poet Laureate Ted Hughes.