Otley Band’s MD Gordon Eddison is a brass peripatetic teacher and teaches in the Wharfe Valley just south of Ilkley – home to the famous ‘Moor’ where, if folklore is to be believed, it is unwise to venture without a hat!

Under threat

However, it seems the famous song may be under threat as recently Gordon has found that fewer and fewer pupils actually know the song, blank stares greeting him when he tries to get pupils to sing the words or play the tune to and 'On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at'.

In fact, Gordon told 4BR that less than 10% know either the tune or the words.

Challenges

Despite challenges thrown out to audiences over the past two years to teach their children this iconic Yorkshire song he now believes it’s very existence is under threat.

Thankfully, Gordon has acted, as he revealed: "Otley Band has never backed away from a challenge so it has commissioned David Lancaster (yes from Lancashire) to write a ‘Festival Prelude’ to On Ilkley Moor."

Otley Band has never backed away from a challenge so it has commissioned David Lancaster to write a 'Festival Prelude' to On Ilkley MoorGordon Eddison

Funds

Funds have been kindly provided by 'The Friends of Ilkley Music Centre' and music packs of piano, choir and basic instrumental music for the song have been circulated to the schools and work is underway to bring together a choir to enjoy a ‘Big Sing’ with the band at one of their concerts next month.

Proud

Another of David Lancaster’s compositions ‘The Chevin Chase’ – a cornet solo commissioned by the band three years ago will also be performed in an event being billed as, ‘Being proud to be British – but especially Yorkshire!’

Gordon told 4BR that everyone will be welcome. "The only criteria is that they have a go at singing the song," he said.