The Leeds Waits

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Leeds Waits, the official town musicians, were re-established by Alan Radford in 1983, receiving official recognition by Leeds City Council a few years later. The original Leeds Waits existed from at least as early as 1530-31 until they were disbanded in 1835. Copies of original Leeds Waits badges now in the City Silver Collection are worn when performing, and they are shown below flanking a picture of the Lord Mayor of Leeds with his Waits in 2008, in 18th century costume on that occasion. The arms on the badges are those of the Borough of Leeds from 1626 to 1661.

The Waits perform for the Lord Mayor and Corporation, also at stately homes and heritage events around the region, and for organisations such as English Heritage and The National Trust. The Waits have performed on radio and television, and also have thirty years experience of playing for historical dance groups, initially Capriol Historical Dance Group of Oldham and more recently White Rose Early Dance of Huddersfield. They play authentic music on authentic instruments, always performing in appropriate historical dress, and are, as in the old days, available for hire for public and private events.