The Fairey (Geneva) Band under the direction of Garry Cutt took the overall honours at the Tameside Whit Friday series of competitions, in what proved to be the tightest contest for many a year.

Although the competing bands were aware of who had won the overall title, the formal announcement wasn't made from Tameside Council until late on Wednesday evening.

President Cutt

Playing the familiar march, 'The President', Fairey (Geneva) took first prizes at Carrbrook (£600), Denton (£250), Dukinfield (£400), Stalybridge Celtic (£350) and Upper Mossley (£500).

With the addition of the overal prize of £2,500 as Tameside champion plus further successes at Droylsden, Heyrod, Hurst Cross, Stalybridge and Scouthead in Saddleworth, the Stockport outfit returned home to Stockport with £6,750 in the bank.

Fairey and Fodens knew that whoever had taken Carrbrook would win the Tameside title but they had to wait until 9am Saturday to find out4BR

Six on the trot

Victory for Garry Cutt with Fairey meant that he has led six successive overall winning bands at the Tameside Whit Friday contests.

The curse of Carrbrook

Meanwhile, Foden's under Alan Lawton also took four first prizes as they looked to retain their title for an unprecdented ninth year.

They notched wins at Audenshaw, Broadoak, Hurst Cross and Stalybridge, also performing the march, 'The President'.

With other results known it meant everything was level with just the details of the Carrbrook contest to be revealed. It wasn't until Saturday morning that it became clear that Fairey (Geneva) had won the overall title.

Evans the Wizard

Leyland and Richard Evans, who opted for the march, 'The Wizard' had to settle for third place overall despite taking victory at Droylsden.

Three on the bounce

Ashton-under-Lyne (Total Rope Solutions) and Martyn Evans demonstrated their Whit Friday expertise by securing the sought after 'Local Prize' for the third year in a row.

The band competed at all of the Tameside venues and won over £2,500.

Glossop Old and Stalybridge Old took the 2nd and 3rd places locally.