The Bradford Youth concert Band, formerly known as the Bradford Metropolitan Band, was formed in October 1977 by Robert (Bob) Hardy.

Mr Hardy was asked to form the band, with a grant of £50, to incorporate the more capable members from the junior section of the Bradford Metropolitan Concert Band.

The band was originally made up of 7 players:

- 3 Cornets

- 3 Clarinets

- 1 Euphonium

but soon grew to a full compliment of players

Bradford Metropolitan Youth Band 1982

Mr. Hardy retired after 12 years of service in November 1989 where he handed over to Norman Shaw, who was to be the band's musical director for the next 2 years.

Following his retirement, Mr. Hardy continued to be closely associated with the band through mentoring younger players and was Life President of the band until his death in July 2002 at the age of 81.

In 1991, the band gained the services of a new musical director, Eric Parker. Mr. Parker had previously played in the band in its formative years before going on to be musical director of the Bradford Metropolitan Junior Band, which served as feeder band to the Youth Band. Mr. Parker led the Bradford Youth Concert Band successfully for the next 9 years before retiring to be replaced by Winston Sutcliffe in 2000. The current, and the band's youngest, musical director, Jonathan Pickles, took up the baton in 2001.

Over the years the band has performed around 1000 concerts and has won numerous trophies and awards including the Robertshaw Music Festival on 7 occasions and the Warfedale Festival on 5 occassions.

We are featured in the Woods publication “Music Making in the West Riding of Yorkshire”, currently on sale in music shops in Bradford.
The band is well known in the Eccleshill area for the popular Christmas concerts at St Luke’s Church. A CD was also recorded at the bands 25th anniversary concert held in 2002 which also included past members, this CD is for sale (see music for more information).

Bradford Youth Concert Band 2002 at 25th Anniversary Concert at Thackley Methodist Church

Last year the band entered its 30th Year of music making and is still going strong!