The Harrogate Band was formed in April 1970 from a nucleus of former Harrogate Granby High School Concert Band pupils who wanted to continue their playing after leaving the school. It was the first brass band in Harrogate since the original Harrogate Silver Prize Band folded in 1956. The Band's first conductor, Neil Richmond, led it to success at its first contest in November 1970 at York - the first of many contest successes over the last 30 years.

By September 1971 there was a full Band of over 25 players, and it had started to purchase its own instruments. Concerts that first year included the first of a regular series of concerts in the Valley Gardens in Harrogate. Neil Richmond was followed as musical director by John Higginson, Peter Littlewood, Peter Wells, David Lancaster, Roy Waite and Craig Ratcliffe. Each stamped his character on the band and continued its musical development in his own manner. Under their tutelage the band has risen up the sections to the Championship Section in the North of England. It currently competes in the 1st Section nationally. A strong administration underpins the band's musical endeavours - an essential adjunct for any aspiring or successful organisation.

The Band has, over the years, established itself as the premier brass band in the local area. It performs over 30 concert engagements each year and enters around 5 contests. The Band has been involved in a wide range of engagements over the years, including joint concerts with choirs, commercial functions, garden parties, fetes, weddings, church services, carol concerts and carol playing in the town, small groups of players, fanfare trumpets, sporting events, agricultural shows, radio broadcasts, marches and processions, charity concerts, massed band concerts and many others! It currently has over 1200 sets of music in its library. Our printed stationery, quite aptly we think, includes the caption "Brass music for any occasion".