Saddleworth Whit Friday Band Contest

[10ClarionSt]

The contest is on Friday 25th May and commences at 4 p.m. If you have never been or don't know what it is, lots of villages in the Saddleworth area near Oldham, will hold an open band contest where each band has to march for a short distance then play a march. There's some tasty money to be won and this event attracts bands from all over the world. Last year there were bands from Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Germ\any, to name just a few. Also taking part was the regiment of The Kings Rifle Brigade. A couple of good places to view are Greenfield and Uppermill. Go and have a look if you can. All the famous bands will be there. This is British culture and heritage at it's best. And it's free! We'll be at Greenfield but my granddaughter is playing in the Rochdale Youth Band. Two other granddaughters will be carrying the name boards, which tell the crowd which band it is and what piece they play in the contest. See you there!

[Buenchico]

It's a bit too far for me to travel but let's try to drum up some support for you anyway, 10CS:

Link:
http://whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org/intro.html

A video from last year:

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks Chris. Lydgate is one contest we don't do, unfortunately but the views all round from there are fantastic. I was wrong in my OP. As you see in the video it's the Band of The Kings Division, not the Kings Rifle Brigade. The first band you see in that video are called "Chav Brass". Bands such as Grimethorpe, Brighouse, Black Dyke etc usually share their winnings between the players, but to qualify for the overall trophy, each band has to play at six different venues. There are over 50 venues and it might seem an easy task to play at any 6 between 4 and 11 p.m. But when there's over 150 bands scuttling around the area in coaches with the same thing in mind, it becomes quite a task.

I know. Self indulgence. Sorry.

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Used to live in Dobcross and OH was secretary at Dobcross Band Club. Without doubt one of the busiest and best weekends of the year and like you say all for free. Enjoy!

[melv16]

Looks a good do. It may be worth coming over to the dark side to give it a look see.

[Buenchico]

Yes, Melv, but is it really worth facing those aggressive guards at border control on the Woodhead Pass?

[melv16]

I know, Chris. The main problem is knowing where to store your brain after you've removed it;-)

[10ClarionSt]

It's the dark side now, is it Melv? I bet it wasn't that when it used to be in Yorkshire! Until we stole it from you! Saddleworth, I mean. Actually, it's only parts of it. The village of Greenfield, being one such.

[10ClarionSt]

Loved the bit about the brain! Great stuff. Very funny.

[Sqad]

The film Brassed Off was one of the best films I have ever seen.

[10ClarionSt]

One of the actual cornet players in that film was a man called Jim Shepherd, who has played with all the top bands. A fantastic cornet player and he was my daughters cornet tutor for a few years. Nice guy too.