Keeping the Music Marching: Inside the Morley March & Hymn Tune Contest.
For nearly two decades, the Morley March & Hymn Tune Contest has brought the sound of brass bands to the heart of the town, filling the streets with music, community spirit and a distinctly Yorkshire sense of occasion. Now in its 18th year, the event continues under the care of siblings Ginnette Nurney and Alan Fowler, who have taken up the baton from their father, Geoff Fowler, the contest’s founder.
Leeds Living met up with this dynamic duo to discover all about this unique annual tradition.
“We’re really proud of what it’s become,” says Alan. “It started as something our dad set up for the community, and now it’s established itself as one of the key march contests in the Yorkshire calendar.”
For the uninitiated, the contest is more than just a static performance; it’s a full musical journey through Morley.
Proceedings begin at midday near the Ernie Wise statue, where bands assemble before setting off on the “road march” down the pedestrianised Queen Street towards Morley Town Hall. This section is judged in full view, with adjudicator Drum Major Keith Marsden assessing both musical performance and “deportment” – the precision, discipline and unity of the marching.
“It’s about how the band presents itself,” Alan explains. “Everything from posture to footwork, how they move together, how they lift their instruments. It’s surprisingly challenging to get that level of coordination while playing.”
Once at the precinct, the focus shifts as they arrange in traditional brass band semi-circle formation outside the Town Hall. Bands then perform a hymn tune and a contest march in a closed adjudication setting, where the judge – brass band stalwart Alan Morrison – listens unseen to ensure impartiality. Rows of seating are arranged in this location to allow the community to sit back and enjoy performances that focus purely on the quality of the music created.
“It’s a completely different atmosphere,” Ginnette adds. “That’s where you really hear the detail in the playing.”
This year, 16 bands will take to the High Street, each hoping to secure one of the much sought-after prizes. Morley has the honour of hosting ensembles from across the full spectrum of Brass Band sections, ranging from Championship level (comparable to football’s Premier League – so the best of the best), to Fourth Section and Youth Bands.
More Than Just a Competition
While the contest element is serious (this year’s prize pot exceeds £2,000) the day is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. There are prizes across multiple sections, ensuring bands of all levels can compete, alongside awards for best hymn tune, best instrumentalist and youth bands.
“Young players and Youth Bands often really shine in the Deportment category,” says Alan. “They put so much work into the marching side of things, and it’s great to see them rewarded.”
But beyond the prizes, the event is about bringing people together. “It’s free, it’s open to everyone, and it really brings life into the town centre,” Ginnette adds. “People come and go, some stay all day, others just catch a few bands….. but there’s always something happening.”
A Festival Feel in the Town Centre
Especially on a sunny day, Morley takes on a festival atmosphere when the contest in on. Spectators line the pedestrian street sitting in home brought deckchairs, some following the bands along the route, others setting up camp in the precinct. “There’s always a buzz,” Alan says. “You’ve got people outside the pubs, families watching, music all day…it’s a real community event.”
This year, organisers are set to enhance the already lively atmosphere with a variety of added attractions, including food stalls, a barbecue, and the ever-popular ice cream van. A new competition for local primary schools will also give Key Stage 2 pupils a chance to take centre stage, leading the bands through the streets as proud banner holders during the parade.
“It’s about making it an experience,” Ginnette explains. “Not just for brass band fans, but for anyone who fancies something a bit different for the day. It’s about bringing the community together.”
Tradition with a Modern Edge
While some might view brass band contests as old-fashioned, the Fowlers see them as evolving traditions.
“I’d call it traditional rather than old-fashioned,” Alan says. “Yes, there’s heritage there, but the music is always changing: new arrangements, new interpretations. And the social side is just as important as the music.”
Both are keen to encourage younger generations to get involved, especially at a time when access to music education, especially brass instruments, can be limited in schools. “Brass bands offer something really special,” Ginnette says. “It’s not just about playing, it’s about being part of something.”
Carrying on a Legacy
The contest’s continued success is deeply personal for both siblings. Their father, who founded the event, is now living with dementia, and they have taken over its organisation in recent years.
“We’ve both been involved in brass bands since we were kids,” Alan reflects. “So continuing this feels natural, but it’s also about carrying on what our dad started.” Ginnette agrees: “He worked so hard to build it up. It would feel wrong to let it disappear. It’s part of Morley now.”
Despite the challenges of organising such a large event each year, they both insist it’s worth it. “When you see the bands performing, the crowds enjoying it, people winning prizes, it makes everything worthwhile,” Ginnette says. It’s clear that this really is a labour of love.
Planning Your Visit
For first-time visitors, the advice is simple: experience it all. “Start at the top, watch the bands gather, follow them down, then spend some time in the precinct listening to the contest pieces” Alan suggests. “You get an all-round sense of the day that way.”
And whatever the weather? “We carry on,” he laughs. “Brass banders are tough. Bring a coat, or an umbrella, and enjoy it anyway.”
The event begins at 12.30pm and runs until approximately 4.30pm, when results are announced and prizes awarded. In the 20 minutes before the ceremony, while final scores are being confirmed, audiences are treated to a special performance from one of the visiting bands, ensuring there is never a moment without music.
So, whether you’re a lifelong brass band enthusiast or simply looking for something a little different to enjoy with family and friends, the Morley March & Hymn Tune Contest promises a memorable day out. Taking place this year on Sunday 28th June in Morley Town Centre, it offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the music and community spirit. Bring a deck chair, wave a flag, and settle in for an afternoon of
fun-filled, toe-tapping entertainment in the heart of the town.
Photography by Maria Forryan.
