Yorkshire Champions 2026!

The Hepworth Band is proud to have been crowned Yorkshire Champions for 2026, and we’re thrilled to be returning to the finals of the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall for the second year in a row!

The bands victory at Huddersfield Town Hall on Sunday is the first time in its 144 year history that its name will appear on the winners’ Trophy. It’s a win that means so much to the players and management of the band and is the culmination of years of hard work, both on and off stage.

Band Manager Yvonne Embury said “We have been inundated with messages of support and congratulations. We are so grateful for people taking the time to reach out to us – thank you”

“We’re really proud of our Principal Cornet Adam Hofland-Ward, who picked up the individual award for Best Principal Cornet. Thanks must also go to all our players, who approached this contest with the motivation and commitment that makes days like this possible”.

“Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership and inspiration of our Music Director Ryan Watkins. Ryan’s continued drive and enthusiasm is at the heart of our love and enjoyment for playing. Thank you Ryan.”

Congratulations to Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Black Dyke Band who also qualified for the national finals - we’ll be proud to represent Yorkshire with you in London in October.