Friday 5th June 2009 will be remembered by anybody who was on the Whit Friday circuit for one simple reason — the British weather.
Rain, rain and more rain
After a glorious morning for the Whit Walks, the rain started around 3.30pm and it never stopped. At times, it was heavy, others torrential, but it never dampened anybody's spirits.
Bull dog spirit
The competing bands simply accepted it wasn't going to be a good night weather wise and got on with it with a reall stiff upper lip and true British style determination.
a soaked Richard Evans who was out with Marsden told 4br 'I can remember adjudicating a good few years ago and it was bad then, but I can't remember a night such as thisRichard Evans
In praise of bands
The contest organisers have been quick to praise the bands though congratulating them for their determination to stay out on the circuit and compete. One contest secretary told 4br that she had to send her husband home to get her a change of clothes but she described the commitment of the bands as 'unbelievable'.
It was bad
In terms of when Whit Friday last suffered hurrendous weather, some would suggest around 1972, but a soaked Richard Evans who was out with Marsden told 4br 'I can remember adjudicating a good few years ago and it was bad then, but I can't remember a night such as this'.
Results updated
The results are coming in though so keep logging on to find who won what and where and 4br will look back on the wettest Whit Friday in living memory next week.