A record number of people attended Hebden Bridge Brass Band's gala concert at the Picture House on Saturday evening and hundreds of people, including some from as far away as Southampton, lined Bridge Gate and St George's Square on Sunday afternoon to watch the march and hymn tune contest.

Eleven bands - Blackburn and Darwen, Boarshurst Silver, Clifton and Lightcliffe, Clifton and Lightcliffe B, Dobcross Silver, Enderby, Holme Silver, Huddersfield Brass, Milnrow, Uppermill and the Wardle High School Junior Band - took part in the contest which event organiser Steve Gardner said had been a success.

Dr Gardner said: "I'm really, really pleased with it. There were plenty of people there and it was a really good, successful weekend. I'm glad of the support from the local community. We have had comments saying it's a fantastic venue for a brass band contest."

Each band in turn marched down Bridge Gate playing a march tune before forming up in St George's Square to perform a hymn tune and another march tune. An adjudicator sitting out of sight judged the bands on their performances and prizes were awarded to the best bands in each section.

The event proved so popular with participants and spectators that Dr Gardner has been asked to run it again next year. He said: "Hopefully we'll put it on again next year and with it being a proven event we should get some more bands. It's a good thing for the bands and particularly for Hebden Bridge."

Mavis Leek, from Barnsley, said the weekend had been absolutely brilliant. She said: "I've really enjoyed it. It's definitely a good addition to the calendar in Hebden Bridge. Hopefully they're going to do it every year. I would come again."

Mike Darke, from Mytholmroyd, enjoyed the afternoon. He said: "I just think the atmosphere is fantastic and congratulations to Hebden Bridge Brass Band for putting it on. It's bringing vitality back into the town."

Staging a march and hymn tune contest in the town has been a long-held ambition of Alan Bottomley, president of Hebden Bridge Brass Band. Mr Bottomley said: "I'm just delighted that all the planning has come to fruition and that the weather has not deterred people from coming to listen.

"One of my aims is to spread the idea of brass banding and people have come from far and wide today. People who I spoke to at the concert are saying to me 'Please keep it going' and if that's the word then let's do it. The interest is phenomenal. I hope it goes on for years."

Anne Bridges, president of Hebden Bridge Junior Band, was pleased to see so many youngsters watching the contest. She said: "It's looking bright for the future."

The gala concert on Saturday evening celebrated the Mortimer family connection with Hebden Bridge Brass Band.