Band Contest on Whit Friday – my family day out!

Often described as ‘the greatest free show on Earth’, the Saddleworth & District Whit Friday Brass Band Contests takes place on the afternoon and evening of Whit Friday each year.  The earliest recorded contest was in 1884 and has grown in popularity to such an extent, that it now attracts bands from around the world.

Being lucky enough to live in Saddleworth,  I am fortunate to be able to witness the event without having to travel more than a few hundred yards and can enjoy the spectacle with drink in hand on the village green.

The contest consists of several events in one, where local pubs and communities provide a cash prize to the best performance, with the main event taking place in Uppermill, where the victors are crowned each year.

This year well over a hundred brass bands participated in some twenty different contests at venues scattered around the moorland villages and towns on the western edge of the Pennines. All of the contests are open-air, many in delightful surroundings. With a very strong tradition of brass band music, the area echoes with music in the weeks leading up to the main event being heard across the hillsides.

The contests are open to all-comers. So the local youth bands get to match their skills against the top bands of the country. For bandsmen, the dash from contest to contest makes for an exhilarating (though exhausting) day.

This year has attracted participants from across Europe, including Berlin and Switzerland all seeking to be declared the best of brass.

Contests typically start at about 4.30pm and go on throughout the day and evening right up until last orders at the bar and in some cases, beyond into the early hours. Bands are required to play two pieces of music, one on the march and then their well-rehearsed show-piece on whatever passes for a rostrum.

Each performance is scored by an adjudicator, hidden in some darkened room or caravan, supplied with what seems to be a never ending supply of beer. Each contest offers a prize for the best band, best youth band, best soloists etc. At one of the busier venues, you could expect to hear over 50 bands, before the winners are announced shortly after close (10.30 pm or 11.30pm.)

It is possible to look in at several contests during the evening. But with over 100 bus-loads of bandsmen about, with many of the roads closed to traffic and the inevitable parking problems, it pays not to be over-ambitious. Personally I opt for Greenfield village. We start off in the park with a picnic and then wander up to the main street to watch the marching and finally ending in my local pub (White Heart) at Lydgate.

This year was extra special because the weather was amazing! The last few years, rain has kept some spectators away! My mum, dad, husband and little girl Ella joined me and we had a brilliant time.

Our favourite bands were BadAss Brass and Berlin Concert Brass (all the way from Germany!)

For those who have not seen the film The Best of Brass, take a look and enjoy the scenario of my home town.

Do you have any special events in your area?

What is your village famous for?

I would love to hear your stories!

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Rosie xx