Saddleworth's successful Whit Friday band contest

21st June 2010

May 28th 2010 saw the 126th annual Whit Friday Brass Band Contests, held in Saddleworth. One of the biggest events in Saddleworth’s yearly calendar, the event draws thousands of visitors to each of the twelve picturesque villages. Frederick Kyewalyanga, Director of the Elgon Youth Brass Band, who travelled all the way from Uganda to witness the event said "I really enjoyed myself, I thought it was fantastic. I didn’t get to speak to any youth bands because they are all so busy but I did get a lot of ideas which I can take back home.”

The Whit Friday Contests draw brass bands not just from Saddleworth, but from places all over England such as Tiverton and Warwick. The Contests even attract bands from Europe, with the Alexandria and Stavanger Bands from Norway attending. Some of the more novelty attendees included the ‘Chav Brass’ and ‘Tartan Brass’ bands. The Contests hold much prestige to this day, being labelled the FA Cup of Brass Band Contests by some, with over £36,000 of prize money in total being won by the bands over the course of the day. The warm weather and vibrant atmosphere combined with the traditional spirit of the contests produced a day, labelled by everyone, as an outstanding success. Bob Rogers, chairman of the band contest committee said "The atmosphere was wonderful and the streets were lined all night. Everyone really enjoyed themselves."

More information at http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1241607_weather_smiles_on_band_contest