City of Leeds Pipe Band

Formed in 1960, the City of Leeds Pipe Band is active throughout Yorkshire. From large events like the Rugby World Cup, the Tour De Yorkshire and ITU Triathlon World Series to galas and fetes.

Formation

Formed as a self-supporting, non-profitmaking organisation with the aim of encouraging interest in the music and culture of Scotland, they quickly formed an association with the Leeds Scottish Country Dance Club and were able to provide an added attraction with the performances of the dancers.

Early Days

The Band was invited to provide a group of pipers to lead a Scottish Wrestling team into the ring when touring in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the North of England. These engagements provided the firm base from which the Band gained publicity and thence finance for the provision of equipment.

The pipe band now started to attract the support of many, and various organisations and engagements began to roll in. During 1961, no less than 30 engagements were fulfilled, and by 1962 there were 16 playing members and repeat engagements were being requested.

Uniform and Equipment

Various items of uniform were purchased in addition to an entirely new set of drums and 12 matched Hardie chanters, which were necessary to allow the Band to realise its ambitions of not only being a group of entertainers, but also a successful competing band.