80 years of
Leyland Band
From its beginnings in 1946 to performances on some of the world’s greatest stages, Leyland Band has built a proud history at the heart of British brass banding.
Eight decades of music
Some of the moments that helped shape Leyland Band.
Leyland Band is born
The Leyland Motors Band was established on 13 June 1946 in the heart of industrial Lancashire.
Richard Evans appointed
Richard was recruited to rebuild the band, helping Leyland achieve Championship status within three years.
British Open victory
One of the defining contest successes in Leyland Band’s history, adding another major title to its growing reputation.
First National title
Leyland became National Champions of Great Britain for the first time, earning the right to represent England at the European Championships.
Oslo — Pride and Emotion
Leyland represented England at the 2013 European Brass Band Championships, producing a performance remembered with great pride.
Lancashire’s finest
For over 80 years Leyland Band has been producing quality entertainment in brass all across the United Kingdom and abroad.
The band has earned an enviable reputation on both the contest and concert platforms, with major championship successes forming only part of a story that has also taken Leyland to leading venues and audiences around the world.
Alongside its competitive success, the band has maintained a broad repertoire, from classical transcriptions and film music to contemporary works and popular concert favourites.
Success on stage and in the contest arena
Leyland’s history includes victories and prize-winning performances at many of the major championships in British and European brass banding.
A history of success
Explore some of Leyland Band’s major contest achievements.
British Open
1994
1981, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2025 HERE
National Championships
2005
1984, 1990, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2006, 2010, 2019
Brass in Concert
1989 · 1991 · 1992 · 1997 · 2011
1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015
European Championships
2006 · 2013
English National Championships
2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
North West Regionals
1982 · 1985 · 1990 · 1991 · 1993 · 1994 · 2004 · 2005 · 2012 · 2013
1981, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2025
Grand Shield
1981 · 2008
2006 · 2007
Hear Leyland Band through the years
Recordings and performances preserve another part of the band’s history, from landmark contest appearances to memorable concert performances.