There wasn't a weather forecast anywhere in the North of England that predicted that Friday 17th June was going to be a day of rain.

Escape

Thankfully, the traditional Whit Walks in Mossley and Saddleworth escaped the heavy rains as did most of Tameside during the contests themselves.

One contest organiser in Tameside told 4BR: "We honestly expected it to be an horrendous night just like a couple of years ago, but it was nothing like they'd predicted and whilst there was rain in the air, everybody got on with it."

Over in Saddleworth & Oldham, rain was in the air from around 3.00pm, and whilst it remained steady drizzle from mid-evening, all the bands persevered and were determined to enjoy themselves.

Results

The results from Saddleworth & Oldham District are now known, but it is still to be officially announced who the 2011 Saddleworth Champions will be, although Brighouse & Rastrick, conducted by Professor David King, are anticipated to take the spoils with five victories and a third place.

Tameside MBC will announce who its 2011 Area and Local Champions will be on Monday, although unofficially it looks like Foden's by the narrowest of margins from rivals Fairey (Geneva).

I cannot put into words how much Friday evening meant to the people of Greenfield when Brighouse played the hymn tuneJoe Buckley

Moving movement

The most moving movement of the whole evening though came at the Greenfield Contest where in 2010, Alan Chamberlain tragically lost his life in an accident.

Before they took to the contest stage and at the very spot where he lost his life, Brighouse & Rastrick played the hymn tune, 'There is a Greenhill Far Away' in the presence of family members.

Moving gesture

Greenfield Contest secretary, Joe Buckley spoke emotionally to 4BR about the band's tribute: "I cannot put into words how much Friday evening meant to the people of Greenfield when Brighouse played the hymn tune. Thinking about it now, it brings tears to the eyes and I would like to personally thank the band and its conductor, Professor David King, for their moving gesture."