The Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band is without doubt one of the jewels in the crown of the brass band movement. The band was formed in 1999 following the amalgamation of two of the finest bands in Leeds - the Yorkshire Imperial Band [founded in 1936 by the Yorkshire Copper Works company based in Stourton] and the Rothwell Band [a traditional band with Temperance roots founded in 1881 and based in Rothwell near Leeds]. Their name was revised in 2002 to the shorter and more recognisable Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band.

The original Imps become one of the leading bands in the country, with successive competition wins. They had four major victories (National Champions 1978, and British Open Champions on no less than three occasions), Yorkshire area champions five times out of seven along with their triple success at the Edinburgh Festival Invitation Contest. In 1978 they won the national title playing 'Checkmate' by Sir Arthur Bliss.

Whilst contest success and its attendant publicity are important and highly valued, it is the concert platform and the nurturing of young talent that is the 'lifeblood' of the band. The band regularly performs throughout the UK and Europe playing an extensive repertoire of both traditional and popular music. The Imps love to thrill and entertain, irrespective of context, venue or medium.

Their music can be found on numerous recordings and the Imps are regularly featured on BBC Radio 2's 'Listen to the Band'. They have been aired on national radio as far away as Australia and are regularly featured on local radio throughout the UK.