York Railway Institute Band
Musical Director: Dr David Lancaster

York Railway Institute Band was established in 1883 by Noah Bruce and is York's oldest Brass Band. Originally named Chaucer Street Mission Band and later known as York and District Mission and Temperance Band, York Excelsior Brass Band, York Home Guard Band and Ebor Excelsior Silver Band, it took on the name of York Railway Institute Band after allying itself to York Railway Institute in 1952 - the majority of members being railwaymen at that time.

York R I was the first band in the area to achieve 'Championship Section' status, competing at the very highest level for many years. The band enjoys regular contesting success and has qualified for the National Brass Band Finals for five consecutive years. In recent years the band has held the titles of North of England and Northern Open Champions.

Many outstanding players have started their careers at the 'Institute' and have gone on to play for the very best bands and orchestras in the world including Jonathan Holland the current leader of the trumpet section at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

The Band enjoys an excellent reputation for entertaining audiences and has played live on BBC Radio 1 with Lulu, performed a concert with Ken Dodd and was once conducted by Alan Titchmarsh in a rousing rendition of On Ilkley Moor Bar t'at live on Radio 2!

In March 2014 the Band won the title of North of England Champions (First Section) and was promoted to compete in the Championship Section from January 2015.