History

The City of Bradford Pipe Band traces its origins to 1914, when the Bradford Volunteers Force (Bradford Pals) formed a bugle and drum recruitment band known as the Sports Battalion Band. Led by Robert “Bob” Mansfield, Bandmaster and Drill Sergeant, the Band supported local enlistment during the First World War.

Bob Mansfield                                                                       William Hazley

In 1917, Major William Hazley of the Royal Scots became involved with the Band. He supplied six sets of bagpipes, taught members to play, and, with his wife, provided the Band’s first Highland uniforms. After his death, the Band adopted the Hunting Stewart tartan and became known as the Hazley Memorial Band.

By 1923, the Band had adopted full Highland dress and became known locally as the Bradford Kilties. It continued as a pipe, bugle and drum band for many years, and in 1946 female Highland dancers were introduced.

Following the retirement of Bob Mansfield in 1947, the Band became the Hazley Mansfield Pipe Band. Leadership passed through several Pipe Majors, and in 1953 the bugles were sold, marking the transition to a fully equipped Highland pipe band. After Mansfield’s death in 1962, the Band adopted its present name: City of Bradford Pipe Band.

A major period of development followed under Pipe Major John Gilchrist. In 1966, at a national competition organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the Band became All England Champions (Grade IV). Over the years, the Band went on to win the All England Championship three times, the European Championship, the World Drumming, the All England Drumming, and numerous minor competitions in Grades III and IV. The Band’s Highland dancers also achieved a long record of competitive success.

Leadership continued through several Pipe Majors until Bob Jenkins took the role in 1993. He is the Band’s longest‑serving Pipe Major and has led the Band through the modern era. Within the drum corps, Jim Leddy became Drum Sergeant following the passing of Stephen Jagger and continues to serve as Drum Sergeant and Chairman.

The Band celebrated its Centenary in 2014 with current and former members, dignitaries and supporters, and marked the occasion with a newly designed cap badge.

Today, the City of Bradford Pipe Band continues to operate as a community pipe band, shaped by the traditions established by Mansfield and Hazley and representing Bradford with pride.