Strike up the bands!

The roster for the 17th annual event includes last year’s champions Wingates Band, who beat runners-up Elland Silver in 2015, with The Hepworth Band in third place.

The March and Hymn Tune Contest will see bands march on Bethel Street to the Town Hall Square on Sunday, July 3 and sees the first band march off at 1pm.

It will feature several championship section bands and others ranging from youth up to first section.

Prizes are again increased this year and once again there are many special prizes on offer.

MC Graham Ward will keep the crowds informed and the non-stop flow of the event is one of the strong features which make the contest such an attractive day out for the crowds.

Adjudicators this year are Stan Lippeatt and Brian Rostron, both members of The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

The gala concert on Saturday, July 2 in the Central Methodist Church is always a special occasion, with a full house.

The Hebden Bridge Band is the guest band this year with a programme of popular music.

Tickets are available from Fawcetts Stationers in Commercial Street, Brighouse and Kirklees Music on Bradford Road in Bailiff Bridge.

One of the largest crowds in the contest’s history attended last year’s event, which was interrupted by a storm.