*
banner

Whit Friday not quite torrential Friday

The weather forecast predicted Whit Friday could be a wash out — but thankfully it wasn't to be.

whit friday
 

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."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd