Since taking up the post of MD in 1994, David has led the band from the 3rd Section to the Championship Section, where the band is currently competing for the 6th consecutive year. During this time both the Band and David have grown in stature and popularity, with a series of strong contest results have gained a reputation for musical excellence and innovation.

2009 will see David and The Harrogate Band pursuing new and different challenges. David moves on to take up the post of Resident Musical Director with Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band and will also continue to develop his burgeoning career in Brass Band journalism. David's final engagement with the Harrogate Band will at the finals of the Kippax Band Entertainment Contest on 9th November, after which he will continue to be involved with the band on an informal basis, and of course will remain in contact with his many friends in the band. For The Harrogate Band, a busy 2009 diary beckons, along with new direction as the band works towards it's participation in the North of England Championships in March.

Chairman Keith Graham was full of praise for David who has been an integral part of successes that the Band have enjoyed: "David's contribution to the band over the past 14 years has simply been enormous. His musical leadership has taken the group in directions and to levels that we might never otherwise have reached, and he has also worked actively throughout as a band member and friend - always involved at the very heart of everything we do. His contribution will be greatly missed, and we wish him well in his new challenges."

David commented: "I have enjoyed enormously my time with Harrogate Band and am proud of the band's many achievements during those years; I will always be grateful for the opportunities the band has afforded me."

The Harrogate Band thanks David for his great work with the band, and wishes him the very best for the future.
  <9/102008>

KIPPAX WIN The band was in great form when it competed in the heat of the 2008 Kippax Entertainment Contest. It's programme and performance clearly impressed the adjudicator, who awarded the band first prize and a place in the final, taking place on November 9th.
  <11/6/2008>

ON ILKA MOOR WITH MYLEEN On Easter Saturday the Band braved the snowy weather, to record some music for the One Show on BBC1 television. Presenter Myleen Klaas, together with her film crew were putting together a series of reports on folksongs, one of which was "On Ilka Moor". The Band was asked to provide the music of the song and play it for the programme - where else but on Ilkey Moor.
  <22/3/2008>

RE-OPENING OF THE ROYAL HALL After some years of meticulous restoration work and fund-raising from many organisations in Harrogate, including ourselves, we were delighted to be part of the celebrations at the official re-opening of the Royal Hall, on Tuesday 22nd January 2008. In the presence of H.R.H. Prince Charles, the Harrogate Band played a concert of music to the waiting crowds and welcomed him to Harrogate and the Royal Hall. The Prince of Wales opened the Royal Hall and toured the restored building while listening to music played by the Tewit Youth Band. Following the event, the our MD, David Lancaster, was pleased to receive the following thanks from the Royal Hall Restoration Trust.
Thank you so much for making such a wonderful contribution to the success of Tuesday's visit by the Prince of Wales. You and the Band have been so supportive of the Trust and the Royal Hall over many years, and I am hugely grateful. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all members of the band who took so much trouble to turn out on a cold January afternoon to play such an important part of what was truly a memorable and historic occasion.
  <25/01/2008>

CONCERT WITH LAUDAMUS CHOIR - 17th NOVEMBER This was the first concert appearance for The Harrogate Band since their triumph at the recent Hardraw Scar contest where they were crowned overall winners. The recently renovated Holy Trinity Church in Ripon provided the venue for a evening of Brass and Voices featuring solo and group performances of the highest standard.
The Laudamus Youth Choir are based in Wigan, having formed in 1992 and performed at such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall and Festival Hall. They have established a reputation for their fine performances, also having found time to host 2 national choral festivals at the Royal Northern College of Music and to record 2 successful CDs. This season has seen a significant change for the group, it being the first season to feature boys in the choir - having previously been girls only. Their firm commitment to the development of youth vocal talent remains, with over 40 members having progressed to perform with the National Youth Choir.
Musical Director of The Laudamus Youth Choir, Deborah Catterall is a professional singer of the highest standard, and a Director of Music for the National Youth Choir. During the concert Deborah will be featured in some new song arrangements accompanied by The Harrogate Band.
  <18/11/2007>

Win at Hardraw - In the impressive natural amphitheatre at Hardraw Scar, just downstream from the Hardraw Force waterfall, is held the annual contest organised by the YHBBA. Harrogate Band, having drawn last, produced a winning performance for its entertainment programme and collected the top prizes for the march, hymn and overall placing.
  <9/9/2007>