★Celebrating 90 Years1936–2026
Welcome to the home of the world-famous Yorkshire Imperial Band, affectionately known as "The Mighty Imps". We currently compete in the Yorkshire Area championship section, under the direction of Ian McElligott.
The band was established in 1936 as the Yorkshire Copper Works Company Band. We have achieved various accolades including several Yorkshire Area titles, Brass in Concert Champions (1995 and 2005). The band were crowned "First Section National Champions of Great Britain", making the Imps the first band ever to win both a national and lower section national title.
From intimate church performances to grand concert halls, we bring brass band music to audiences across Yorkshire and beyond.
We compete at the highest level in national and regional brass band contests, proudly representing Yorkshire.
From contest victories to legendary conductors, put your knowledge to the test with 5 questions and find out if you're a novice, a bandsman, or a Mighty Imp!
The Yorkshire Imperial Band has a proud legacy spanning almost nine decades. From its founding in the industrial heartland of Leeds to its continued success on the championship stage, the band's story is one of passion, resilience, and musical excellence.
We are entering an exciting new phase under the baton of the incredibly experienced Ian McElligott, whose reputation as a conductor and arranger is recognised across the brass band world. In 2025, the band achieved a strong 8th place finish at the Yorkshire Area Championships with Diversions for Brass Band — its highest result in the top section in over a decade.
