Help to keep our marching contest going

The annual Marching Band Contest, organised by Hebden Bridge Brass Band will not go ahead this year as funds cannot be raised for the event to return for another year.

The contest began six years ago as part of the heritage weekend and was a celebration of brass band music from across the country.

Now, organisers are appealing for help in the hope that the contest could be revived next year.

Steve Gardner, chairman of the band, said: “We can’t raise enough money for all the prize money and the cost of the event.

“It’s becoming increasingly hard to raise the money, despite the fantastic support of Hebden Royd Town Council.

“It’s a very good event, and it’s been good for Hebden Bridge.

“Hebden Bridge Band has been going for a long, long time, the marching contest is all about supporting the community, but due to financial restraints we have not been able to to raise enough money.

“It’s not the end and we would like to bring it back, we are now looking for financial support from local businesses or anyone out there able to give us man power.

“Any help would be greatly appreciated.”

The contest was due to take place on Sunday June 14, the second day of the heritage weekend.

Despite the marching contest being cancelled, the summer concert at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mytholmroyd, will still go ahead on June 13.

If you would like to help the band reach their goal of bringing the concert back next year, visit www.hebdenbridgeband.co.uk or contact Steve on 07813 110 126.