Known originally as the Leeds Model Band, little is known of its early history, although it is established that it was formed in 1856. Records show that in 1864 it came third in the British Open Championship, with a certain Black Dyke Mills Band in fifth place. One of its most successful periods was in the mid 1960s when in a three year period in seventeen contest appearances it won fifteen first prizes and two second prizes. Despite varying fortunes over the years, it has always been renowned for maintaining a high level of performance.

In common with an increasing number of bands, in the 1970s it sought financial assistance through sponsorship to meet the dramatic rise in operating costs. This lead to successful periods first as the John Waddington Band (the games manufacturers) and then as the Yorkshire Relish Band (within the Hammonds Sauce Group).

The change to the YEP banner coincided with a substantial improvement in playing standards. This, together with a higher profile, resulted in a dramatic all round improvement in the bands fortunes, and it took on a new lease of life.

The bands conachievements include the Radio Leeds Knockout Brass Champions, Second section Regional champions, prize winners at the finals of the National Championships of Great Britain, the Pontins National Championships, The Isle of Man Brass Band Festival, the Telford New Town Entertainment Contest, and has featured in the prize lists of many local contests. Our busy concert schedule has somewhat limited our contest appearances in recent years .