Welcome to Yorkshire
News • July 20th, 2026
|A community brass band in West Yorkshire is stepping up to meet local musical education needs, thanks to a generous grant from a nearby wind farm. Garforth Brass, which has been actively involved in promoting brass music for over a decade, is now providing even more opportunities for residents to learn and play brass instruments.
Training Band Established
Garforth Brass established its dedicated training band ten years ago in response to a noticeable decline in the number of people learning brass instruments. This decline has been partly due to musical education becoming less of a focus in schools. The training band aims to counter this trend by offering free instrument loans and tuition to individuals of all ages.
With around 20 members, the training band meets every Wednesday evening to practice and perform. They bring music to the community through concerts, helping to raise funds to cover their costs. Some of the training band members even progress to join Garforth Brass’s competition band, showcasing the talent that is nurtured through this initiative.
Funding from Hook Moor Wind Farm
A significant boost came in the form of a £1,000 grant from the community benefits fund associated with the Hook Moor Wind Farm. This funding will cover the cost of hiring the practice room for a full year, enabling the band to continue its activities without financial worries. The grant will also be used to purchase new sheet music, music stands, and marching lyres, which are crucial for holding music while performing on the move.
Janet Lymath, treasurer of Garforth Brass, highlighted the importance of maintaining brass band traditions in Yorkshire, particularly in former mining communities. “Brass bands are a big part of Yorkshire’s heritage,” she said. “But there are far fewer opportunities available in schools and elsewhere for people to learn how to play brass instruments. If there aren’t enough musicians, there’ll be no more brass bands.”
Open to All Ages
Garforth Brass is keen to encourage local residents, both young and old, to join their training band. Whether someone is a complete beginner or looking to pick up an instrument they once played, everyone is welcome. The band is particularly focused on fostering a love for music and creating a supportive environment where new members can thrive.
The training band members receive guidance from experienced players who provide group tuition and mentorship. This structure has already proven effective, with several members advancing to key roles in the competition band.
Community Impact
The Hook Moor Wind Farm, operated by ERG and managed by OnPath Energy, allocates around £11,000 annually to local projects through its community benefits fund. This funding is part of a broader commitment to support sustainable development and community well-being in the areas surrounding their renewable energy sites.
Local projects that have previously benefited from this fund include the Aberford & District Parish Council and the Micklefield Regeneration Partnership, showcasing the wind farm's commitment to fostering community spirit.
Melissa Falconer, Head of Business Development UK of ERG, expressed the company’s dedication to being a good neighbour to the community:
“In acquiring the Hook Moor Wind Farm, ERG has embraced the responsibility of upholding all commitments to ensure that the site remains both a producer of clean energy and a trusted ‘Good Neighbour’ to the local community.”
“This means more than just providing support; it is about genuine alignment of values.”
Learning More
For those interested in joining Garforth Brass or learning more about the training band, the invitation is open to all. New members can simply come along to a practice session to see what it’s all about. The band is not only about honing musical skills but also about enjoying the camaraderie that comes with playing music together.
Tom Chaplin, partnership and community manager at OnPath Energy, praised Garforth Brass for its contribution to musical education in the community. “The excellent results of their approach can be clearly seen, as well as heard,” he noted.
For anyone in the Garforth area interested in applying for funding from the Hook Moor Wind Farm community benefits fund, it is advisable to contact the fund manager to confirm eligibility. This initiative represents a wonderful opportunity for local groups to secure support for environmental and community projects.
As the training band continues to grow and thrive, it highlights the importance of community engagement in preserving the rich musical heritage of Yorkshire and ensuring future generations have the chance to explore the joy of playing brass instruments.
