Hepworth Band

Hepworth Band formed in the village of Hepworth, near Holmfirth, in 1882,  making it one of the oldest brass  bands in the country. 

The band is to perform a specially selected programme  reflecting the 2023 Holmfirth Arts Festival theme "Forces of Nature".

There has  long been a tradition of brass  bands and music making in the  Holme Valley and Hepworth has  been a part of this, with notable  contest success maintaining its  Championship status for more  than 20 years.  

During that time the band has qualified to represent Yorkshire at the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, London on four occasions, most recently in 2020. Last year the band were winners of the local Holme Valley Brass Band Contest and took the title at the Dr Martin Trust Contest.

The band promotes its own annual concert series and performs further a-field in concert series promotions and festivals. It also plays an active role in the local community, leading the Hepworth Feast celebrations, the Service of Remembrance and supporting local and national charities, performing fundraising concerts and events.

Support act Cafe Orchestra, an all-acoustic band featuring accordions, concertinas, banjo, mandolin, bass and percussion, offers a lively and engaging sound that has been fashioned over the last ten years by musical directors Simon Wood and current director Dr Peter Birkby.

The sound is eclectic with traditional music from many cultures around the world. From Celtic songs and ballads, Beatles, pop and rock 'n' roll, French cafe music, South American dance tunes, to Eastern European gypsy tunes, film music and even a hornpipe medley.